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.