Organizational structure and staffing:

The Ocean City Beach Patrol was established in 1898 and has four "zones" providing ocean lifeguard and EMS services for Ocean City's approximately eight miles of protected beaches. Each zone has its own headquarters, also known as “tents”, located at the beach.  Zone 1 is at 1st street and the beach; Zone 2 is at 12th street and the beach; Zone 3 is at 34th street and the beach; Zone 4 is at 59th street and the beach. The Ocean City Beach Patrol Headquarters is located at Zone 1 at 1st Street and the beach. The Ocean City Beach Patrol Boat Shop, a general maintenance and administrative facility, is located at 46^th Street and West Avenue.  Generally, each zone (and Boat Shop) is supervised by a Captain and staffed with two Lieutenants and an EMT, as well as a Personal Watercraft (PWC) operator.  Each zone consists of approximately ten guarded beaches, each staffed by two or three lifeguards. At its peak staffing during the summertime, the Ocean City Beach Patrol employs approximately 192 ocean lifeguards and EMT's and guards approximately 42 beaches, including one guarded beach exclusively for surfing.      

Chief of Operations

Erich Becker

The Chief of Operations is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations for the Ocean City Beach Patrol, one of the largest seasonal lifeguard organizations in the country. Erich Becker was promoted to COO in 2023 and leads more than 190 staff, including lifeguards, EMTs, and administrative personnel.  COO Becker began his OCBP career in 1983, serving for three summers before pursuing a successful career in the private sector. In 2013, he returned to the Beach Patrol, bringing decades of leadership and management experience that continue to guide the organization today.  A lifelong connection to Ocean City has shaped Becker’s service. He spent all of his childhood in town with his 12 siblings and is a graduate of Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, NJ. Married with four children, he is committed to building a safe, professional, and community-focused Beach Patrol while honoring the legacy and traditions of OCBP.

Deputy Chief 

Holly Lesser

Deputy Chief Holly Lesser began her career with the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 2007.  DC Lesser currently supervises the OCBP's Resource and Training Program (RTO) & community outreach. DC Lesser is the highest-ranking female in OCBP history. She is a three-time New Jersey State High School swimming champion for Egg Harbor Township (NJ) High School, later swimming for Division I East Carolina University where she graduated with honors. DC Lesser is married with two children and is an elementary school teacher in the off-season. 

Deputy Chief 

Dan Casey

Deputy Chief Dan Casey began his career with the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 2007. DC Casey is a graduate of West Chester University. DC Casey is married to a fellow OCBP lifeguard Lieutenant. In the off-season, DC Casey is an elementary school teacher for a West Chester (PA) area school district and a YMCA swim coach. 

Deputy Chief 

Anthony Mehalic

Deputy Chief Anthony "Tony" Mehalic began his career with the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 2007. DC Mehalic is in charge of the OCBP Training Division. DC Mehalic attended Slippery Rock University and received a Master's Degree from California University of Pennsylvania. DC Mehalic is an elementary school teacher in the off-season and is married with two children.