Virginia Beach Lifeguard Association

06/03/2026

05/29/2026

Meet Deputy Chief Gary F***h! Gary has spent the past 37 years with VBLS, and within those years he values the moments he spends with everyone on staff and surrounding himself with those that have become lifelong friends.

His favorite spots for lunch on the beach are and ! The biggest tips he’d like to give beachgoers are to watch your kids, check in with lifeguards about water conditions, and most importantly, always swim near a lifeguard.

Thank you Gary for all that you do for VBLS! 🛟🌊

05/27/2026

For our next Supervisor Spotlight we want to highlight Deputy Cheif Guy Wheatley! Guy has spent 45 years with VBLS and some of his favorite memories are working with new guards and teaching others how to safely operate ATVs! At VBLS he plays a vital role as “Maintenance 1” helping out all the guards and supervisors fixing up bikes, ATVs, and anything that needs repairing! When lunch time hits he loves to stop by for a good sub.

He wants all beachgoers to know that alcohol and swimming do not mix! Be sure to swim in areas that are guarded and follow the swimmers responsibility code!

Thank you for all that you do for VB Ocean Rescue Guy! 🌊🛟

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, while guards stand watch across our shores, we pay tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom. We also thank the uniformed men and women currently standing in defense of liberty.

You will find USLA alumni in every branch of the military, excelling because of the discipline, training, and fitness levels achieved while serving their communities. As the 'first weekend of summer’ comes to an end, our eyes are on the water to protect those under our supervision while our prayers ask for the health and safety for those standing watch on behalf of our safety around the world.

To the lifeguards working to protect the millions of beach goers this summer, thank you for your service. May the 2026 summer be safe for you, your fellow guards, and all those you protect.

Tom Gill, USLA President

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day! Today’s beach safety week tip is designate a water watcher!🛟👀

A water watcher is a designated adult whose job is to watch their friends/family/kids/etc while they swim in the water. A Water Watcher is a responsible adult who commits to 100% focused, distraction-free supervision of children or swimmers—even if a lifeguard is present.

This does NOT substitute a lifeguard. VB Ocean Rescue and the USLA strongly advise that patrons visiting the beach should swim in an area that is staffed with lifeguards, while also having a water watcher. 🛟

05/24/2026

Today’s Beach Safety Week tip! Swim near a lifeguard! 🛟 🌊

Beach and water conditions can change in an instant, lifeguards are trained to spot hazards before you do and respond fast when seconds matter. 🚩🛟

05/23/2026

🌊 Today’s Beach Safety Week Tip: Learn rip current safety!

Rip Currents can be characterized as a narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater.

To protect yourself and your family from rip currents make sure to always swim near a lifeguard, consult lifeguards before entering the water, and learn to swim!

If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then swim back into shore, never fight the current head-on. 🏖️

05/22/2026

This Beach Safety Week, VB Ocean Resuce and the USLA encourages everyone to make smart choices in and around the water. Before jumping in, remember to always enter the water feet first and never dive head first into shallow surf as shallow water and hidden sandbars can cause serious neck and spinal injuries.

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

A beach day is better with a buddy! This Beach Safety Week, remember to never swim alone. Having a swim buddy can help spot dangerous conditions, call for help in an emergency, and make every beach day safer (and more fun!)☀️🌊