Organizational structure and staffing:

The Ocean City Beach Patrol was established in 1898 and has four "zones" providing ocean lifeguard and EMS services for Ocean City's approximately eight miles of protected beaches. Each zone has its own headquarters, also known as “tents”, located at the beach.  Zone 1 is at 1st street and the beach; Zone 2 is at 12th street and the beach; Zone 3 is at 34th street and the beach; Zone 4 is at 59th street and the beach. The Ocean City Beach Patrol Headquarters is located at Zone 1 at 1st Street and the beach. The Ocean City Beach Patrol Boat Shop, a general maintenance and administrative facility, is located at 46^th Street and West Avenue.  Generally, each zone (and Boat Shop) is supervised by a Captain and staffed with two Lieutenants and an EMT, as well as a Personal Watercraft (PWC) operator.  Each zone consists of approximately ten guarded beaches, each staffed by two or three lifeguards. At its peak staffing during the summertime, the Ocean City Beach Patrol employs approximately 192 ocean lifeguards and EMT's and guards approximately 42 beaches, including one guarded beach exclusively for surfing.      

Director of Operations

 J. Allan Karas

The Director of Operations is the department head for the Ocean City Beach Patrol and is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents and visitors to the Ocean City beaches, as well as the employees of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. The Chief of Operations and the three Deputy Chiefs report directly to the Director of Operations. Director Karas began in this capacity in 2021. Before leading the Ocean City Beach Patrol, Director Karas was a Special Agent for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for over 24 years, retiring as a DEA Supervisory Special Agent in 2021. Before DEA, Director Karas was an ocean lifeguard for the Atlantic City Beach Patrol for 14 seasons. Director Karas attended the University of Miami and later received a Master's Degree in 1992 from the American University School of Public Affairs. Director Karas is a 2017 graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Chief of Operations

Erich Becker

The Chief of Operations is the supervisor in charge of out-front operations for the Ocean City Beach Patrol. The COO reports to the Director of Operations. Erich Becker was promoted to COO in 2023. COO Becker began his OCBP lifeguarding career in 1983, serving for three seasons. After a successful career in the private sector, Chief Becker returned to the OCBP in 2013. COO Becker spent the majority of his childhood in Ocean City with his 12 siblings and is a graduate of Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, NJ. He is married with four children.

Deputy Chief of Administration

Holly Lesser

Deputy Chief Holly Lesser began her career with the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 2007.  DC Lesser currently supervises the OCBP's Resource and Training Program (RTO), community outreach, and Admin. DC Lesser is the highest-ranking female in OCBP history. She is a three-time New Jersey State High School swimming champion for Egg Harbor Township (NJ) High School, later swimming for Division I East Carolina University where she graduated with honors. DC Lesser is married with two children and is an elementary school teacher in the off-season. 

Deputy Chief of Operations

Dan Casey

Deputy Chief Dan Casey began his career with the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 2007. DC Casey is the deputy supervisor for out-front operations. DC Casey is a graduate of West Chester University. DC Casey is married to a fellow OCBP lifeguard Lieutenant. In the off-season, DC Casey is an elementary school teacher for a West Chester (PA) area school district and a YMCA swim coach. 

Deputy Chief of Training

Anthony Mehalic

Deputy Chief Anthony "Tony" Mehalic began his career with the Ocean City Beach Patrol in 2007. DC Mehalic is in charge of the OCBP Training Division. DC Mehalic attended Slippery Rock University and received a Master's Degree from California University of Pennsylvania. DC Mehalic is an elementary school teacher in the off-season and is married with two children.