CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. — Assateague Island could lose lifeguard coverage this summer due to possible budget cuts, raising safety concerns for beachgoers. Recent data shows emergency responders answered dozens of calls on the island last year, many involving water rescues. Several incidents happened when no lifeguards were on duty, including near-drownings and drownings. Lifeguards conducted multiple rescues and handled situations that otherwise would have required emergency medical services. Officials warn that without lifeguards, emergency calls could increase, especially since Coast Guard response times may be lengthy and local EMS crews are not trained in water rescues. Local leaders are considering alternatives, including meeting with federal agencies and state lawmakers to address the issue. Some point to nearby communities that maintain their own lifeguard teams as a possible model. Community members often help with water rescues, but those efforts are informal and not officially documented, highlighting the risk of reduced professional coverage this season.
