Beach News for Friday, September 30, 2011

It’s hard to believe that lifeguards have been at Ocean City Beach since 1898, but even harder to believe, but we’re happy, that no one has drowned at a protected beach in the Ocean City, New Jersey area since then. Kudos to those lifeguards! And, according to Tom Mullineaux, the Operations Manager for the OCBP, they had a good season.

A couple of things factor in - one, fewer visitors than other years and two, none of the rip currents from years past. Last year around August some of rips were significant. And yes, let’s not forget the lifeguards - 421 victims rescued in 233 incidents. They did a wonderful job.

Hurricane Irene kept people away and that contributed to the low numbers and safe season. Seems people heeded the safety warnings. But it is really amazing that no one has lost their life here in the 113 years that they have had protection.

You can read more about this story and the OCBP from New Jersey right here: Beach Patrol Finished 2011 with Safety Record Intact.

And speaking of the Shores of Jersey… child photographer Christine DeSavino just finished up her best beach portrait season yet. Some of her work is really incredible. Now, there’s a lot to work with on the beach - but when you put in the kid factor - I mean, holding it together can be downright hard!

Kids love the beach and not so much stay still for a picture. This speaks so well of DeSavino and her website has this latest collection. We invite you to visit it and our hats off for anyone taking pictures along the sands of the world - but these are truly special and worth a glance. Find more at her website Christine DeSavino PhotoBlog - Beach Highlights.

Let me round this out by taking you across country to San Diego. The SF Chronicle has just published their Beach Lover’s Guide to San Diego in the Fall. And we’ve covered some of these beaches extensively here, but they bear looking at again - especially if you can make it out to San Diego now. Coronado Beach is just wonderful this time of year with lovely surf and sun, sun, sun.

One other beach they mentioned in the article is Ocean Beach - the beach with that California hippie vibe all the way. What is cool here, at least I always thought, is that you can fit right in with they skateboarders - many who would never go in the water, the joggers and cyclists along this 2 mile boardwalk that is just as cool as it sounds. I want to strap on an HD camera and make a video running down the boardwalk. I love people watching! And this is the place to make that happen.