The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce was honored to host the 2023 Lifeguard Awards on Tuesday, August 15^th, and recognize the many men and women who guarded the beaches this summer. The compassion, professionalism, and work ethic that these guards and their captains exude, play a major role in the success of the tourism industry in the Quiet Resorts. This area’s safe, and family-friendly beaches are what bring many visitors back year after year.

As a small token of appreciation, The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce joined with Big Chill Beach Club and other Chamber members to throw a celebration for the eight local beach patrols. Guests enjoyed food from La Vida Hospitality, music by DJ Bump, and an award presentation honoring the “Lifeguard of the Year” from each patrol with WGMD’s Mike Bradley as emcee. Each Lifeguard of the Year received a gift card, a custom plaque by Wildfish LLC., a sweatshirt from Fells Point Surf Co., and a lifeguard chair ornament from Sea Shell City, Inc.

As chosen by the patrol captains and peers, the 2023 Lifeguards of the Year were: Liam Regan, Bethany Beach Patrol; John McBane, Delaware State Parks Beach Patrol; Will Douds, Fenwick Island Beach Patrol; Trey Mitchell, Middlesex Beach Patrol; Houston Howell, North Bethany Beach Patrol; Elizabeth Fry, Sea Colony Beach Patrol; Eric Lutz, South Bethany Beach Patrol; and Kevin Reese, Sussex Shores Beach Patrol. Congratulations to all!

This year’s event also recognized the guards from these patrols who competed in the 2023 USLA Nationals competition, representing Sussex County Lifesaving Association. The Chamber gave $2,000 to assist in sponsoring qualifying guards for Nationals which were hosted in Virginia Beach, Virginia this year. A new addition to this year’s Lifeguard Celebration was a custom event t-shirt, sponsored by Fells Point Surf Company which contributed to help support qualifying guards. T-shirt are still available for purchase at the BFACC.

 The Chamber would like to thank this year’s sponsors for making the evening possible: Presenting Sponsor, La Vida Hospitality; Supporting Sponsor, Fells Point Surf Company; Patrol Sponsors: Anne Powell – Coldwell Banker Realty, Banks Wines & Spirits, Custom Mechanical, Law Offices of Scott & Shuman, P.A., Logan Burke – Keller Williams Realty, Piper by Marni, PNC Bank, and Sea Colony Recreational Association; Buoy Sponsors: Bank of Ocean City, Scherer Financial Advisors, and Taylor Bank; Whistle Sponsors: Hugh H. Hickman & Sons, Inc and Sea Shell City.

Thank you again to all 2023 lifeguards for another safe and successful summer!