Some say a dream job is hard to come by, but for two former Parkville residents, their dream jobs have become a reality. Melbourne "Butch" Arbin III was born and raised in Parkville. He graduated from Parkville High School. While attending Parkville High School he participated in band, cross country, indoor and outdoor track. "During the summers I was a Sr. Lifeguard at the Woodcroft Swim Club," said Arbin. "When I was 15, I took the Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) test and passed. I've been with the service ever since."
A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, Arbin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. After graduation for the University of Maryland he was hired by Charles County Public Schools as a middle school Physical Education teacher. He received many awards including "Teacher of the Year" from two organizations and as Department Head of the General Smallwood physical education program received a national recognition award.
Arbin moved on to teach graduate courses for the University of Maryland while still teaching for Charles County. For his graduate level teaching he was awarded the "Maryland Educator of the Year." Now, during the winter months Arbin still works for the Charles County Public Schools as an Aerospace Engineering Instructor at Lackey High School. In addition he also teaches the Gateway to Technology classes at Mathew Henson Middle School which is part of the Project Lead The Way Program. Living in La Plata, during the fall and winter, the Arbin family lives in Ocean City during the summer months. Arbin has worked his way through the ranks of the OCBP and became Captain of the Patrol in 1997. As Captain, Arbin is only the third person to hold the position in the past 70 years. The position of Captain is an appointment by the Mayor and the City Council of Ocean City. Arbin oversees the hiring, training and all aspects of the Beach Patrol's 90 guards.
"During the summer we average between 2,000 to 4,000 saves," Arbin commented. "Most are neck injuries. They are usually flown out to either Salisbury or Maryland Shock Trauma." "We have guards from age 17 to 57. All have to pass the same test, and there is no different test for females. If you need a guard for help it doesn't make any difference if it's a female or male. They should both be able to handle the situation the same and do what they have to do the same," commented Arbin. "The Patrol is made up of 30 percent females. The 30th anniversary of the hiring of the first female Ocean City Beach Patrol will be in 2008," Arbin said. "Susan Cane Gerstan was the first female lifeguard in the summer of 1978." "This is the ideal job for educators. Most have off for the summer," said Arbin.
There are educators from as far away as the University of Miami, and most of the counties in Maryland on the staff. "We have people from Hawaii and New England. We have some state troopers also," Arbin stated. "At the end of the summer we lose the teachers who have to go back before the end of the beach season and start teaching. We go from 90 guards to 60."
The 10.5 miles of beach, which is the area the OCBP guard is one of the longest beach areas guarded in the U.S. "Our guards is a very experienced group. Most have over five years of experience," noted Arbin. "Approximately 30 percent of the guards relocate to Ocean City." "For the guards it's a matter of education, prevention and intervention," Arbin commented.
"I have already started hiring guards for the 2008 season," Arbin advised. "Each year all the guards have to re-certify by passing two physical tests." Don Juan What comes around goes around say some. But for Don Juan, it's a matter of the mentor becoming the employee. While attending Parkville High School, Arbin had Juan as his coach during the time he was a member of the track team. This year Juan became a member of the OCBP as a Surf Beach Facilitator (SBF) making Arbin his "boss." "I respect what Arbin does," said Juan as he took his place on the bright yellow lifeguard stand. As a SBF, Juan establishes, maintains, and enforces the boundaries between the swimmers and surfers. SBF's also educate beach patrons as to how the surfing beach operates and rotates. As a SBF, Juan establishes, maintains, and enforces the boundaries between the swimmers and surfers. SBF's also educate beach patrons as to how the surfing beach operates and rotates. "I spend a lot of time talking to people and giving them information," Juan said. Surfing is not permitted between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. during the summer months due to the large crowds.
There are however, two blocks each day set apart as surfing beaches. No wading or swimming is permitted at the surfing beaches plus all surfers must wear leashes.
Signs and flags are used to highlight the area. The surfing beaches rotate two blocks south each day. "This is like living a dream. I can't wait to work each day," Juan said as he overlooked the surfers as they caught the crashing waves. "I get paid to watch a beach!" "Being out in the elements 8 1/2 to 9 hours a day is physically tough," Juan said, "But I'll be back next year." Becoming a part of the OCBP Candidates must provide proof of age at registration and complete a waiver and recruiting questionnaire. If you are 16 or 17 -years old, a parent or guardian must be present during the test and a work permit must be supplied prior to entering the Surf Rescue Academy. You must be 17 years old to enter Surf Rescue Academy. * Complete a 300 meter soft sand run in less than 65 seconds (400 meter run in 80 seconds offsite testing)
* Complete a 400 meter ocean swim in less than 10 minutes (500 meter in less than 10 minutes offsite in a pool)
* Complete a series of simulated rescues in the surf incorporating the rescue buoy
* Complete a rescue using a cross-chest carry and Victim removal techniques
* Complete a medley of 150 meter run, 100 meter swim, and a 150 meter run.
* Complete a Tower transport of the S.R.T. chair a distance of 20 meters.
* Complete basic lifesaving skills, in which you perform holds and releases in controlled water setting.
* Complete a personal interview
Becoming an employee of the OCBP
• Once a candidate passes the vigorous, physical test, training for the job is provided by the Ocean City Beach Patrol during Surf Rescue Academy. Candidates can be assured that all necessary skills, techniques, procedures and protocols will be taught to them as part of the Surf Rescue Academy. This is a nine-day paid training program conducted by Beach Patrol instructors with support from other public safety agencies followed by 3 weeks of supervised on the job probation. All aspects of becoming an S.R.T. are taught during this Surf Rescue Academy.
The Beach Patrol is on duty everyday from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. starting the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and continuing seven days a week though the third Sunday after Labor Day. A Surf Rescue Technician (SRT) works 43.5 hours a week with days off. This is the title earned by the men and women who have demonstrated competency in the techniques and skills required for surf rescue. The SRT's duties include educating the public, warning swimmers of potential danger, rescuing distressed swimmers, responding to emergency situations, administering first aid, reuniting lost and found individuals, enforcing city ordinances, and other duties as assigned.
Candidates interested in participating in these unique testing opportunities should contact the OCBP for specific information regarding off-site pre-employment skill evaluations, call 410-289 7556
The Ocean City Beach Patrol is a division of the Department of Recreation and Parks in Ocean City.
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