About GIBP
Jurisdiction Responsibilities
Galveston’s beaches are among the most challenging in the country for lifeguards. The diverse beach population often has little or no beach experience, and strong lateral currents coupled with rock jetties is a dangerous mix. The Galveston Island Beach Patrol is among the top lifeguarding agencies in the country.
The Galveston Island Beach Patrol is a state certified, first response agency employing over 80 lifeguards, senior guards, and supervisors. Each of our nine units is staffed by at least one person who has a minimum of an EMT-B certification. The units are equipped with trauma kits, spinal immobilization equipment and oxygen, as well as water rescue equipment. We have a rescue boat which, a rigid hull inflatable, that will hold up to five people and can be launched off the beach. Three personal watercraft are also used for patrol and rescue.
The Beach Patrol’s jurisdiction includes the Gulf facing beaches from East Beach to 61st Street with emergency response responsibility to all aquatic accidents from Big Reef to San Luis Pass. Our primary responsibility is the safety of swimmers in these areas during the lifeguard season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Providing we have adequate resources and manpower, we will also assist other agencies in areas near the beachfront and the waterways on other parts of the island.
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