OCEANSIDE — A longtime Oceanside lifeguard with nearly 23 years of experience was named the city’s new beach lifeguard captain.
The Oceanside Fire Department announced in late January that Tyler Berry will lead the city’s lifeguard division following the retirement of Bill Curtis in December. Curtis served as beach lifeguard captain for 33 years.
In a Facebook post, the city described Curtis as “a stalwart of our beach safety services.”
“From the beginning as a seasonal lifeguard, and rising through the ranks to Beach Lifeguard Captain, Bill has helped build one of the most respected agencies on the California coast – a legacy that will continue long after his retirement,” the post reads.
Berry, who considers Curtis a mentor, said he is honored to continue that legacy and serve in his new leadership role.
“It’s been my life’s work and a goal of mine,” Berry said. “I fully understand that I have huge shoes to fill.”
Born in La Jolla and raised in Oceanside, Berry began his lifeguard career at 16 in 2002. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and is pursuing a master’s. Berry is also certified in several emergency response and rescue operations, including emergency medical technician (EMT), rescue boat operations, swift water rescue, and dive operations.
Today, Berry lives in Oceanside’s District 1 with “the love of his life” and their two children.
In addition to his pride in representing his fellow lifeguards, Berry is enthusiastic about the division’s future, especially with ongoing projects like the pier reconstruction, beach restoration efforts, and the Marine Safety Unit. The Marine Safety Unit launched two years ago, provides 24-hour coverage with lifeguards and firefighter-paramedics along Oceanside Harbor and the city’s coastline.
Berry highlighted the Marine Safety Unit’s role as the first responders to last year’s pier fire.
“I can’t think of a better time to step into this role,” Berry said.
The city expressed confidence in Berry’s leadership, noting his numerous awards for heroism, valor, and lifesaving acts.
“He is praised for having a supportive management and communication style, and he is a strategic thinker with a comprehensive understanding of beach safety operations,” a statement from the city reads. “He exemplifies our mission statement of ‘Embracing Families and Safeguarding Communities,’ because, as a resident of Oceanside, he takes the privilege and honor of serving his community with the same care as if it were his own family.”
Berry will oversee a lifeguard division of more than 80 part-time and full-time personnel who provide safety services to Oceanside’s 3.7-mile coastline and waterways. According to city data, Oceanside beaches host over 3.7 million visitors annually, with 1.5 million using the water.
In 2022, lifeguards performed approximately 1,419 ocean rescues, assisted in 71 boat rescues, and responded to 403 emergency medical calls.
The division operates year-round, with 16 lifeguard towers open 24 hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In addition to water rescues, lifeguards perform boat rescues, swift water rescues, and underwater searches and provide emergency medical care. The team uses various equipment, including rescue boats, paddleboards, all-terrain vehicles, and personal watercraft.
Looking ahead, Berry is preparing for the beach lifeguard trainee test on March 1. The test is a rigorous tradition for aspiring lifeguards and begins with a timed swim around buoys set up to mimic the pier’s length. Applicants must complete the swim in under 27 minutes to advance to interviews and academy training.
“We’re a dynamic lifeguard division,” Berry said. “I’m incredibly honored to be in this position, and I’m excited to get started and serve.”
Those interested in taking the lifeguard trainee test must submit an online application to the city by Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oceansideca/jobs/4751562/beach-lifeguard-trainee.
