A lifeguard boat, which costs about $8,500 to replace, was one of the many items damaged during the June derecho in Ventnor, and the Beach Patrol Alumni Association held a fundraiser to help replace it.
Any funds raised by the association are given straight to the beach patrol for assistance with shortfalls, in this case the aftermath of the storm, said Dan Bryz-Gornia, an alumnus.
About 12 or 13 stands damaged by the derecho, and a couple of boats, one of which was blown half a mile away onto Surrey Avenue, he said.
"It was cracked like a shell against the Pike," Bryz-Gornia said.
The alumni association decided to sell T-shirts for $12 each for alumni to help raise the funds needed, which could not be covered entirely by the city, said Terry Much, also an alumnus.
Both are former lifeguards and understand the importance of having a full set of tools to work with.
Especially with the dangers of rip currents and tides, Bryz-Gornia said - "The boat is a secure platform for both the lifeguard and the individual being rescued."
For some time after the June storm, the lifeguard stands were makeshift chairs on elevated platforms.
"It's great ingenuity, but it doesn't look good" when visitors swarm the area during the summer months, Bryz-Gornia said.
The alumni association held their annual reunion Aug. 17, and even though it was a lower turnout than in past years, they were able to help the beach patrol with a donation, although the amount was not available.
"Thanks to some very generous benefactors, the beach patrol is back to full capacity equipment," Much said, adding that the boat situation had been resolved.
Contact Anjalee Khemlani:
609-272-7247
