Atlantic City’s Lifeguard Legacy Is About to Make History

Hey Folks,

One of the things I’ve always loved about living and working here is that Atlantic City isn’t just known for casinos, concerts, and the Boardwalk. Some of America’s greatest stories started right here on our beaches.

Did you know the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, established in 1855, is the oldest continuously operating beach patrol in the United States? For more than 170 years, generations of lifeguards have protected millions of beachgoers while setting the standard for beach patrols around the world.

Now, that incredible legacy is one step closer to getting the permanent home it deserves.

A World-Class Museum is Coming to Atlantic City

An International Lifeguard Museum is planned for Atlantic City in Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, where visitors will experience the history, heroism, athleticism, and life-saving mission of lifeguards through immersive exhibits, interactive storytelling, historical artifacts, and cutting-edge audiovisual displays.

This won’t be a traditional museum where you simply walk past display cases. The vision is to make you feel like you’re standing on the beach itself—hearing the surf, witnessing dramatic rescues, learning water safety, and gaining a new appreciation for the men and women who have watched over our shoreline for generations.

One of the driving forces behind this incredible project is my friend Chris Brown, President of the International Lifeguard Museum. Chris has spent his career serving our community—as an Army veteran, public servant, attorney, and longtime advocate for Atlantic County / City. But what really stands out to me is his passion for preserving the legacy of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol while creating something that will educate families and inspire future generations. When Chris and the other ILM board members Jason De Grandmaison, Peter Sarkos, ACBP Chief Steve Downey, Sean Patwell, Rusty Silverman, Thomas Sykes, Nicholas F. Talvacchia, Dan Brown, Thomas McCann, Vic Sprecher, believe in a project, they give it everything they got, and this museum is no exception.

I’ve spent decades talking about everything that makes Atlantic City special, and this project checks every box. It celebrates our history, educates future generations, and gives visitors another reason to discover why Atlantic City continues to be one of America’s great destinations.

Join Me on August 19

I’m excited to share that I’ll be helping kick off the celebration on Wednesday, August 19, as the International Lifeguard Museum hosts its official launch event at Boardwalk Hall.

It’s going to be a terrific evening bringing together community leaders, lifeguards, first responders, supporters, and everyone who believes this important piece of Atlantic City’s history deserves to be preserved.

Guests will enjoy:

• Live entertainment
• Hors d’oeuvres
• Cash bar
• Free parking
• A chance to learn about one of Atlantic City’s most exciting new attractions

Tickets are just $25 for General Admission and $15 for First Responders, with proceeds helping fund the museum’s future.

If you’re planning to attend, I hope you’ll stop over and say hello. I always enjoy meeting readers and listeners, and I’d love to see plenty of familiar faces supporting this incredible project.

More Than a Museum

What impressed me most is that this isn’t simply about preserving history.

The International Lifeguard Museum is committed to promoting water safety, something that couldn’t be more important. Thousands of drowning deaths occur every year across the United States, and organizers hope the museum will inspire children, families, and visitors from around the world to become safer in and around the water.

Atlantic City welcomes nearly 20 million visitors every year, making it the perfect place for a museum with both local roots and global impact.

The project has already received early planning support through grants from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), and organizers continue raising funds toward the museum’s $4 million build-out.

What’s Coming Up

• International Lifeguard Museum Kickoff Celebration
• Wednesday, August 19 • 5:30 PM
• Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
• General Admission: $25
• First Responders: $15
• Free Parking
• Live Entertainment • Hors d’oeuvres • Cash Bar
• Learn more or purchase tickets at InternationalLifeguardMuseum.org

Why This Matters

When people search for things to do in Atlantic City, they’re often looking for experiences they can’t find anywhere else. This museum has the potential to become exactly that—a destination that honors real heroes, celebrates our city’s rich history, and teaches life-saving lessons that visitors can carry home.

Atlantic City has always been a place where history is made. This project ensures one of our greatest stories will continue to inspire future generations.

I hope you’ll join me on August 19 as we celebrate the next chapter of that story. Together, we can help preserve an incredible legacy while supporting an attraction that will make our community proud for years to come.

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Live-Work-Play-AC!
See you on the 48

AC Mike