MAINE PUBLIC • August 2, 2024
Around 30,000 people visit York Beach each summer. The eleven crew members of the York Beach Ocean Rescue are responsible for three beaches: the most popular is Long Sands Beach. Jeffrey Patten has served as the head lifeguard for over 30 years. But last month, Patten submitted a letter of resignation to the town stating he will not return next year unless changes are made regarding public drinking enforcement. He said the reason he's speaking out is to protect his lifeguards. Last year his lieutenant guard was almost knocked off her rescue board by a person who was drunk. "You're waiting for drowning, you're waiting for someone passed out on the beach, or you're waiting for a fight. Those things put my lifeguards at risk. And that should be the focus of this issue."