REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.-Â This summer will be the 100th season for the Rehoboth Beach Patrol. But there will also be a couple of firsts.
A new tradition to kick off the season and a new captain leading the lifeguards and EMT's.
For Rehoboth Beach Patrol's new captain Jeff Giles, this is a full circle season for him. He was a rookie lifeguard for the same unit in 1981 and now he will be at the helm.
"I met a lot of our lifeguards coming in and a lot of our new guards that are coming in and a lot of the new guys that we hired," Giles said. "They're awesome and we are just excited to get back on the beach."
There will be twenty stands with lifeguards keeping a close eye on the water. The beach patrol will have over 40 lifeguards and six EMT's on its staff covering from Deauville Beach to the Hemlock Area near Dewey Beach.
The staff has 22 rookie guards ranging from age 16 to 30. Peter Horton has had a home in Rehoboth Beach for 27 years and talks with the lifeguards from time to time.
"I've seen what they go through," Horton said. "The swimming and the you know battling waves and every single morning exercising like crazy. It takes a special person to be able to do that."
Kiwi's Tiki Hut Manager Katherine Barker says the lifeguards are a key part of the summer season.
"We at Kiwi's often times will bring lunch to the lifeguards as our way of supporting those who support our community," Barker said. "So we are happy to continue doing that."
Lifeguards line 1.75 miles of beach and in addition to keeping swimmers safe, are ambassadors of the city. They will answer questions and render medical aid on the boardwalk. Captain Giles says there is still time to join.
"We're almost up to full staff," Giles said. "We do have some openings. If anyone's interested contact me, one of my chiefs, or one of my lieutenants. We'll be glad to talk to you and get you into the mix."
The beach patrol will be doing drills and training at 7 a.m. Saturday. Then, Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills will be ringing the bell at 9:30 a.m. at patrol headquarters to kick off the new season.