Chincoteague Town Council hears report on Lifeguard Services at Assateague

The Town of Chincoteague is moving forward with emergency lifeguard services for Assateague Island beaches.

Town Manager Mike Tolbert says two bids were submitted, both offering to staff the beach with four lifeguards daily through early August, then switching to weekend-only coverage through Labor Day.

One bidder, USA Management, plans to hire locally, but they don’t have any lifeguards lined up yet and couldn’t give a start date.

The other company, Coastal Event Medical Management, also hires local lifeguards but already has trained staff ready to commute across the Bay. They say they can begin coverage as soon as July 14th.

Tolbert confirmed the Accomack County Board of Supervisors will cover up to half the cost of either contractor. He also said insurance has been reviewed, and there will be no increase in premiums.

Mayor Bowden backed the plan strongly, saying, “You can’t put a price on someone’s life,” referencing a recent close call at the beach.

Councilman Taylor supports moving quickly, saying the season is already underway and Coastal Event can have guards on duty by Monday. He emphasized their background in emergency services.

Councilman Bott raised concerns about liability in the event of a failed rescue, but Tolbert clarified that any contract would protect the town from being held responsible for negligence.

Councilman Taylor motioned, seconded by McComb to offer to pay ½ of the monetary cost of lifeguard services if Accomack County takes the lead on arranging the services. Ayes: Howard, McComb, Richardson, Taylor, Savage Nays: Bott Absent: None Motion passed five to one.

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors will meet at the Board Chambers in Accomack at 6 pm tonight to discuss the issue.