CARTERET COUNTY — The Atlantic Beach Fire Department is aiming to grow its lifeguard program for summer 2020.
- Captain J. Scott Bell runs the program and said it typically has around 10 to 12 people, but he would like to see that number closer to 20
- He said he has been seeing more visitors on the beach than ever and calls for more eyes watching the water
- Applications will be open by the end of January on the town’s website
Captain J. Scott Bell runs the program and said it typically has around 10 to 12 people, but he would like to see that number closer to 20.
“We want to get a solid crew of responsible people who are fit, capable, and motivated to do the job,” Bell said.
He said he has been seeing more visitors on the beach than ever and calls for more eyes watching the water.
Last spring, five people drowned in rip currents on the Crystal Coast before lifeguards hit the beaches on Memorial Day.
“I’ve worked as a firefighter paramedic for 15 years. I have not and probably will not save as many people as I did as a lifeguard,” Bell said.
Applications will be open by the end of January on the town’s website.