South Jersey Local

Sharing Stories. Making Connections. Building Community.

SOUTH JERSEY BEACH PATROL COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Lieutenant Bob Bechtel of the Margate Beach Patrol

Our new print issue features our summer “Down the Shore” content about the beach towns, communities, businesses and people that help South Jersey put the state on the map for the best beaches, resorts, events and attractions in the country.

For that reason, we’ve decided to turn our Community Spotlight feature over to the special category of “Beach Patrol” for a while. So without further ado, let’s shine a light on our beaches and those who keep them safe!


Bob was nominated by Chief Chris Graves. He tells us that “He has done a great job leading our training and has also trained many South Jersey beach patrols and fire departments in Jet Ski rescue operations. In addition to being in charge of training he competes for us in the lifeguard races in the doubles rowing event. He has rowed out of town for over a decade winning both singles and doubles races.”

Thanks for keeping the Margate beaches safe Bob!


Community Spotlights

If you know someone you think we should shine our Community Spotlight on, email us at [email protected].

Right now we’re focusing on our South Jersey Beach Patrol Spotlight category, which we’ll continue to run now and through the summer. So if you know someone who deserves a special shout-out, get in touch!

We’re also still always looking for nominees in the following categories:

First Responders: Police, Fire, EMT, Dispatch, Active Military

Educators: Teachers, Coaches, Administrators, Aids, Support Staff

Food Service Industry Workers: Waitstaff, Bussers, Servers, Chefs, Cooks, Dishwashers

Volunteers: Nonprofit Workers, Youth Sports Coaches, Scout Leaders, PTO Volunteers

Public Servants: Elected Officials and Support Staff at every Government Agency serving South Jersey at the Municipal, County, State and Federal levels

Healthcare Workers: Nurses, Medical Assistants, Administrative Support Staff

Beverage Service Industry Workers: Anyone who works in a Bar, Coffee Shop, Brewery, Winery or Distillery