Ogunquit Ocean Rescue protects and assist patrons at Ogunquit beach during summer months. The number of people at the beach on any given day runs into the tens of thousands including thousands in the water. They used to have 8 lifeguard stations for 17-18 lifeguards who go on duty on a daily basis between June 20th and Labor Day. They provide additional coverage in the shoulder seasons as early as Memorial Day weekend and as late as the third weekend after Labor Day if lifeguards are available and weather permits. Before entering the ocean or river please make sure there is a lifeguard “ON DUTY” nearby and note the flag/safety level in that particular area. There are large sections of the beach that are not fully protected due to their distance from the manned stations.
Locations of Lifeguard Stations from North to South:
Moody Beach - Wells Town Line
Footbridge Beach - Ocean Street
Littlefield Beach - Mile Marker 6
Main Beach Middle - Mile Marker 2
Main Beach North - Mile Marker 1
Main Beach South - ATV/Jet Ski
Main Beach River - South of Bridge
Ontio Beach - Israel Head Road
Their department has over 30 full and part time members including some veterans who volunteer their time each year for the annual lifeguard competition and polar plunge. Lifeguards must be certified through the American Red Cross and participate in our rigorous ocean rescue training prior to the start of the season. Tryouts for new and returning candidates are generally held in April and May consisting of a 500-yard pool swim followed by a 2-mile run outdoors. For more information feel free to contact us year-round.
Some of their basic duties include:
· Preventative Actions in the Water
· Water Rescues and Assists
· First response to Medical Rescues
· First Aid
· Beach Rules Enforcement
· Search for Lost Children and Persons
· Regular Training Exercises
· Coordination with Fire Rescue, Police, Public Works, and Visitor Services
· Dune and Wildlife protection
· Daily Posting of Tides, Temperature, and Flag Level
If you have any questions of their operation please contact the Ogunquit Fire department. For information on happened to the former department you can follow 'Save Ogunquit Ocean Rescue' on Facebook (Save Ogunquit Ocean Rescue).