Rehoboth Beach officials have selected Nico Caceres as the new leader of the city’s Beach Patrol, promoting someone who has dedicated nearly his entire life to the organization.
Caceres will replace Jeff Giles as Captain, while Giles transitions to Administrative Chief for the upcoming summer season before his official retirement.
The new captain’s journey with Rehoboth Beach Patrol began when his family relocated from Downingtown, Pennsylvania to Long Neck, Delaware in his childhood. His mother enrolled the 10-year-old in the Junior Lifeguard program, where he remained until becoming eligible to join the official patrol team in 2014 as a rookie.
His career progression shows steady advancement through the organization’s ranks. After his rookie season, Caceres worked as a Veteran Guard during 2015-2016, then earned promotion to Lieutenant from 2017-2020, and most recently held the position of Chief of Daily Operations from 2021-2025.
Outside his beach patrol duties, Caceres works as a Spanish instructor at Sussex Academy, teaching high school students in grades 9-12. He also contributes as an assistant swimming coach and serves as advisor for the World Language Honor Society.
“The Rehoboth Beach Patrol is something that is very special to me as well as many other members that have gone through it,” says Caceres. “Being able to serve as Captain for RBP is something that holds a tremendous amount of honor and with my profession as a teacher, it was the most logical next step to take as it allows me to be able to carry on its traditions, guide future lifeguards to becoming extraordinary individuals, and continue making the City of Rehoboth a safe place to live and visit.”
City Manager Taylour Tedder expressed enthusiasm about the internal promotion, stating: “We are thrilled to have Nico make this natural progression into role of Beach Patrol Captain. Having someone literally grow up in this program and now take on this leadership role is ideal for the program and for the public. We also appreciate Captain Jeff Giles for his leadership and for what he’s done with the program over these past five years and are happy he’ll stick around for another summer as we make this transition.”
Outgoing Captain Giles praised his successor’s qualifications and dedication. “For my five years as Captain, Nico has been my right-hand man,” says Administrative Chief Jeff Giles, who will maintain a position this summer to help with the transition. “He has always been by my side supervising the leadership teams and running day to day operations. He has earned the respect and admiration of the whole patrol and is always striving to make the Rehoboth Beach Patrol the best it can be.”
The Beach Patrol will begin its 105th consecutive summer season on Saturday, May 22.
