Chincoteague Town Council discusses lack of lifeguards on Assateague

As the result of potential budget cuts,  Assateague Beach may be without lifeguard coverage this season.

The lack of lifeguard coverage on Assateague Island is raising serious safety concerns. At the June town council meeting,  Chincoteague Mayor Denise Bowden said there’s no indication lifeguards will be returning anytime soon.

Emergency Services Director Bryan Rush reported that Chincoteague EMS responded to 34 calls on Assateague in 2024. Eighteen of those were surf-related, with eleven happening when lifeguards weren’t on duty — including near-drownings and drownings. Rush added that lifeguards were responsible for 24 rescues last year, and handled at least 21 incidents that would’ve otherwise required EMS.

Rush also warned that without lifeguards, EMS calls will likely increase. He said Coast Guard response  can be as long as 45 minutes, and Chincoteague’s crew isn’t trained as rescue swimmers.

Mayor Bowden said Ocean City, Maryland staffs its own lifeguards and questioned whether Chincoteague should consider doing the same. Council members agreed to push for action, including requesting a meeting with the Park Service and contacting Virginia’s representatives on the House Natural Resources Committee.

Vice Mayor Howard and Councilman Bott emphasized the urgency, with Bott noting that local surfers often step in to rescue swimmers — but those efforts often go undocumented.