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The divide between Rehoboth Beach Patrol lifeguards, both current and former, and the current leadership, took another twist Sunday, March 16, as guards took to the Boardwalk in protest.
Despite a cold and overcast day that shrunk expected attendance, those who were there made their feelings known concerning the leadership of Capt. Kent Buckson, who was rehired by the city for his eighth season late last year.
Tom Coveleski, chief of the patrol for 23 years, said too much of the lifeguards’ focus was on lifeguarding competitions instead of lifesaving skills.
“We were hoping for a bigger turnout but the message is still the same,” Coveleski said. “We want to have the best beach we can have and there is too much focus on competition and training and not enough on safety. That’s why we are here. We want it redirected and if he [Buckson] is able to do that then that’s what we want. We want him to do his job.”
Former lifeguard Dr. Peter Hartsock said, “There’s no accountability. We used to have the No. 1 safety record in the world and the public safety is at risk. There’s no training here that goes into saving lives; it’s all training for competitions. Lifesaving is not a competition; its life or death, pure and simple; it’s not a game.”
Hartsock also questioned why the beach patrol is no longer certified by the United States Lifesaving Association, a national nonprofit organization that promotes lifeguard education and safety standards.
Former lifeguard Chad Jenkins, who recently returned from doing health work in the Sudan, said, “They [city officials] need to do something. If there are this many people willing to stand outside today to make a statement, something needs to be done - either a change in leadership, focus or both.”
The rally was the second major gathering of beach patrol members and alumni in 2008. Close to 50 current and former guards came to a commissioners’ meeting in January to ask the city for a change in leadership.
Derek Shockro, another former guard, said, “We’ve gone to the city commissioners’ meeting; we’ve done a number of other things and this is our next step in many more steps to come. Again, we’re looking for one simple thing that will alleviate the years and years of suffering this beach patrol has gone under and that’s a change in the leadership. We just need a change.”
Buckson has not yet commented on the situation but Rehoboth officials have stood by him as captain. City Manager Greg Ferrese has said that the current lieutenants supported Buckson’s rehiring.
The patrol leadership was rearranged to have two lieutenants directly under Buckson to help better manage the department. Ferrese has said his duty is toward the current guards, not the alumni, and that Buckson has brought much-needed discipline to the department.
Contact Ryan Mavity at ryanm@capegazette.com
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