Overview

• An 18-year-old swimmer was pulled unconscious from waters about 150 yards south of Assateague Island’s lifeguarded zone on July 24 and later died at a local hospital.
• The Maryland side of Assateague Island has had no lifeguards this summer after the National Park Service cut positions due to federal budget constraints and imposed a hiring freeze that lasted through mid-July.
• Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks sent a joint letter on July 11 urging the Trump administration to refill all vacant lifeguard posts to address public safety risks at the seashore.
• In its July statement, the National Park Service described the shortage as a nationwide concern and cautioned visitors to stay close to shore and heed currents and wind advisories.
• Lifeguards on Assateague Island carried out 24 rescues in 2024, reflecting the area’s strong rip currents and the vital role of shore-based monitoring.