CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. — When Azania Lane-Majestic arrived at Asbury Park with her family this summer, she was met with crashing waves, excited crowds — and an alarming absence of lifeguards. Her concern reflects a growing issue nationwide: vacation hotspots run by the National Park Service (NPS) are struggling to staff lifeguards, leaving beaches open but unprotected.
Originally reported by Stephanie Armour — published via The Washington Post
Shortages Amid Peak Season
As families rush to coastal escapes during summer — especially over the July Fourth holiday — some of the country’s most treasured beaches are facing severe lifeguard shortages. According to Bill Wade of the Association of National Park Rangers, fewer than half of the 7,700 seasonal park roles, which include lifeguards, had been filled by late May.
Cuts to the National Park Service workforce — including buyouts, early retirements, and hiring freezes during the Trump administration — have contributed to the issue. The situation is especially dire at high-traffic locations like Sandy Hook, NJ, and Chincoteague, VA, where lifeguard towers remain unmanned and emergency calls are rising.
Real-World Consequences
In Chincoteague, Virginia, where lifeguards made dozens of rescues last year, none were on duty when a 4-year-old child was pulled from rough surf by a bystander on June 10. Social media erupted with concern:
“That little boy’s family would be planning his funeral right now,” one resident posted. “This lifeguard issue is VERY REAL … VERY SERIOUS.”
Chincoteague’s Mayor Denise Bowden confirmed she’s received conflicting explanations for the shortage — from budget freezes to bureaucratic hiring delays. She also warned that local EMS resources are being stretched, handling rescues that lifeguards would normally manage.
Drowning Statistics Tell the Story
According to the CDC, approximately 4,000 people drown each year in the U.S., with 50–75% of those incidents occurring in open water such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. For children aged 5 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death.
Studies show that drowning risks drop dramatically at lifeguard-supervised beaches — some estimates suggest fewer than 1 in 18 million drownings occur under active supervision.
At American Lifeguard USA, we’ve long advocated for the strategic deployment of certified lifeguards in federal, state, and municipal aquatic environments. The current staffing crisis highlights just how urgent and essential this infrastructure is to public safety.
Beaches Running Bare
Examples of lifeguard reductions include:
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Great Kills Park Beach (NY): Now only staffed weekends, down from four-day coverage in prior years
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Assateague Island National Seashore (MD/VA): No lifeguards were on duty in early June despite hazardous surf
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Gateway National Recreation Area (NJ): Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. issued a letter to the Department of the Interior demanding answers for unsafe staffing levels at Sandy Hook
“The lack of lifeguards will undoubtedly result in death and injury that would otherwise be prevented,” warned B. Chris Brewster of the U.S. Lifesaving Association.
Public Responsibility and Preventive Action
As the Interior Department works to stabilize hiring, they urge beachgoers to understand natural hazards and practice ocean safety:
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Watch for riptides and unexpected waves
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Never swim alone or without informing others
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Know that ocean swimming differs significantly from pool or lake swimming
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Avoid turning your back on the ocean — rogue waves can sweep people off their feet
American Lifeguard USA’s Position
At American Lifeguard USA, we emphasize that lifeguards are not a luxury — they are essential infrastructure, just like firefighters and paramedics. We’re calling for:
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Accelerated certification pipelines for youth and seasonal hires
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Nationwide partnerships with public agencies to close the safety gap
Lifeguard presence is proven to prevent drownings, reduce injuries, and provide peace of mind. Cutting these roles — or failing to fill them — is not cost-saving, it’s life-risking.
Article By Avani james
Avani james is a public safety writer and education advocate at American Lifeguard USA, where he covers water safety policy, lifeguard training access, and emergency response solutions. His work aims to connect federal and local safety challenges with effective, scalable interventions across U.S. aquatic environments.
