Atlantic City Beach Patrol
The Birthplace of American Lifeguarding
The Atlantic City Beach Patrol is the first established municipally paid professional lifeguard force in the United States. The Atlantic City Beach Patrol has established a renowned and unequalled ocean safety record since its formation in 1891.
The Atlantic City Beach Patrol is the first established municipally paid professional lifeguard force in the United States. In the year 1891, the Atlantic City Council officially adopted the ordinance to create the agency now referred to nationwide as the “Beach Patrol” or “Constables of the Surf”. The Atlantic City Beach Patrol has established a renowned and unequalled ocean safety record since its formation. The city of Atlantic City regularly experiences the largest number of ocean rescues and medical assistance calls in the State of New Jersey every summer season since its inception.
the storied History
The Atlantic City Beach Patrol (ACBP) is the oldest, operational lifeguard organization in the United States. In 1855, the City Council appointed William Cazier to the position of “Constable of the Surf.” In response to the growing popularity of Atlantic City’s beaches, the ACBP expanded. By 1872, although it was an all-volunteer patrol, the ACBP had more than twenty lifeguards on its staff. The patrol was fully incorporated and joined the City payroll on June 12, 1892. Amongst the first lifeguards to be paid by the City were Jim Jeffries and Nick Headley.
The first lifeguards often times additionally worked on the police force. Victorian-era customs dictated that proper individuals not bathe in the late afternoon sun; the lifeguards remained on duty from 11 am until 1:30pm. Upon being relieved of their posts, most guards would simply switch from their lifeguard uniform to their police uniform. One of the most unique features of the early ACBP was its beach hospital tents. Instituted in 1904, and first headed by Dr. John T. Beckwith, the beach hospital tents provided on-site, medical triage services for the ACBP.
Race News
The 2024 Atlantic City Beach Patrol won the following races:
Longport Memorials
Atlantic City Classic
Margate Memorials
John T. Goudy Rescue Races
The South Jersey Pool Championships
Our swimmers, rowers, paddlers, and surf dashers all contributed to the overall success of the patrol and were responsible for the outstanding accomplishments in these races.
Upcoming events
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Annual Test
Saturday June 7, 2025
9:00am Sharp-Roll CallSouth Carolina Avenue Beach
Beach Patrol Headquarters
Atlantic City, NJ
Community involvement
