Rehoboth Beach, a beloved coastal destination, prioritizes water safety to provide visitors with a secure and pleasant experience. From the presence of a dedicated Beach Patrol to monitoring water quality, Rehoboth Beach takes comprehensive measures to ensure the well-being of beachgoers.
What are the Beach Patrol and Safety Rules in Rehoboth Beach?
The Rehoboth Beach Patrol operates from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through three weeks following Labor Day, with their headquarters located at Baltimore Avenue on the boardwalk. They can be reached at 302-227-2280 during the beach season (May-September) and 302-227-6181 during the off-season (October-April).
To maintain a safe and organized beach environment, Rehoboth Beach has established the following rules:
- Tents, tarps, cabanas, pavilions, canopies, and sportsbrellas are prohibited, except for baby tents up to 36″ high x 36″ wide x 36″ deep for shading infants and small children.
- Umbrellas with a circular shade no greater than 8′ in diameter and a central pole no longer than 7’6″ in height are permitted, but they must be anchored to prevent uncontrolled movement.
- All personal items, including umbrellas and baby tents, must be removed from the beach by 10 pm daily. Unattended items will be removed and discarded.
How is the Water Quality and Bacteria Levels Monitored in Rehoboth Beach?
The water department in Rehoboth Beach performs daily water quality checks to ensure that the drinking water meets federal and state guidelines for safety. In 2022, there were elevated bacteria levels in parts of Rehoboth, Dewey, and Bethany beaches, leading to advisories against spending too much time in the water. However, these advisories were later lifted as the bacteria levels decreased.
The City of Rehoboth Beach publishes annual water quality reports, which provide detailed information on the sources of drinking water, contaminants, and measures taken to minimize exposure to lead and other substances.
What Additional Safety Measures are in Place in Rehoboth Beach?
Rehoboth Beach has implemented several additional safety measures to ensure the well-being of visitors:
- In case of an emergency, dial 911. The non-emergency police number is 302-227-2577.
- Beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 am-5 pm during the beach season. Visitors can call 302-227-2280 or visit the Rehoboth Beach Patrol storage sheds for assistance.
- Vehicles are not allowed on the boardwalk or beach.
- Skateboards and rollerblades are prohibited on the boardwalk and bandstand year-round, as well as on sidewalks and streets during the peak season (May 15-September 15).
By adhering to these rules and guidelines, visitors to Rehoboth Beach can enjoy a safe and memorable experience at this picturesque coastal destination.
References:
- City of Rehoboth Beach. (n.d.). Beach Safety and Rules. Retrieved from https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/beach-and-boardwalk/beach-safety-and-rules
- City of Rehoboth Beach. (n.d.). Water Department. Retrieved from https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/water-department
- WHYY. (2022, August 5). Bacteria warnings lifted at popular Delaware beaches. Retrieved from https://whyy.org/articles/rehoboth-delaware-beach-visitors-warned-limit-water-time-elevated-bacteria/
- City of Rehoboth Beach. (2024, April 26). 2024 Water Quality Report. Retrieved from https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/2024CCR.pdf.