Dewey Beach, DE
The Dewey Beach Patrol provided an average of twenty-eight (28) certified lifeguards on a daily basis. Eighteen (18) lifeguard stands were utilized to cover 22 blocks (approximately 1.1 miles) of coastline. The patrol also provided one full-time Emergency Medical Technician. All members of the Dewey Beach Patrol were certified as Emergency First Responders.
Each staff member was required to complete a training and certification program from which the following criterion were met:
1. Thirty (30) days of open water rescue instruction, as outlined by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA).
2. Twenty-one (21) days of Rookie Training that includes intense physical training and a rookie test.
3. Training and certification in CPR, Standard First Aid, and C-Spine Injury Stabilization.
4. First Responder Certification
During the past summer seasons, the Dewey Beach Patrol has experienced a drastic increase in rescue response. This has been attributed to a large rise in the number of visitors using the beach facility during the summer months and alterations of the coastline topography. The hazards experienced by swimmers include profound long shore currents and rip currents. Changing weather patterns are also a concern.
The following is a statistical analysis of the emergency response provided by the patrol:
Open Water Rescues
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 15 | 51 | 128 | 51 | 66 | 46 | 13 | 18 | 18 |
Open Water Assists
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 5 | 23 | 19 | 31 | 22 | 71 | 28 | 23 | 19 |
Lost Children
(Average return time of 10 minutes: 100% return)
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 54 | 57 | 76 | 59 | 67 | 64 | 63 | 52 | 40 |
Beach Evacuations
(Reasons for Evacuations:
Lightening storms, Water Spouts/tornados, Hurricanes, or Marine Life activity)
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 4 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 4 | < 4 |
Major Medical Emergency Response Cases
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 9 | 44 | 22 | 13 | 35 | 28 | 23 | 36 | 49 |
Major Emergency response cases require transport and include the following:
| Seizures | C-Spine Injury | Broken Bones | Jet-ski Collision |
| Cardiac Arrest | Lacerations | Moped Accidents | Dislocations |
| Severe Bleeding | Heat Stroke | Unconsciousness | Torn Ligaments |
| Bicycle Accidents | Auto Accidents | Falls on Stairs | Overdose of Alcohol |
| Blood Sugar | Umbrella(s) | Scalp Detachment |
First Aid Cases
| 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 21 | 30 | 11 | 12 | 19 | 43 | 59 | 83 | 109 |
Major First Aid Cases include the following:
| Abrasions | Eye Injury | Intoxication | Sprains |
| Water in the Lungs | Insect Bites | Allergic Reactions | Fatigue |
| Burns | Fish Hook Puncture | Heat Exhaustion | Splinters |
| Soft Tissue Damage |
Body Recovery
2005
1
(For drowning victim, 7:00 pm on 9/5/05)
Open Water Rescue Team Dispatches
| 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 5 | 8 | 2 |
| "Active Missions" | ||
| 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
| 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Boat Rescue/Assist | ||
| 2005 | ||
| 1 | ||
Dewey Beach welcomes approximately 6, 370 visitors on an average weekday. However, this number doubles and may even triple on weekends. The National Ocean Atmosphere Association (NOAA) conducted a beach use study that indicates the beach population on a typical weekend exceeds eleven thousand (11,000) people. The patrol also provides the following services:
