Ocean City Beach Patrol

Next Monday, we will lay our dear friend, brother, and colleague, Lt. Ward Kovacs, to rest.
We honor his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind. His impact, laughter, and spirit will never be forgotten.
Godspeed, Ward. You will be dearly missed.

View Edward George Kovacs's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Obituary information for Edward George Kovacs View Edward George Kovacs's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Ward gave so much to all of us; his time, his leadership, and his heart. This scholarship honors his legacy by helping others chase their path, just as he always encouraged. You are missed, and never forgotten.

Lieutenant. Friend. Brother.

The black drape hangs heavy, a symbol of the weight we all feel.
We feel this loss in every way.

Ward, you were more than a teammate. You were family.

We miss you.
We love you.
We will carry you with us, always.

We invite all who knew and loved Ward to join us in honoring his life.

Visitation
Burbage Funeral Home
108 Williams St, Berlin, MD 21811

Thursday, May 7, 2026
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Funeral Service
Coastal Community Church
10900 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, MD 21811

Monday, May 11, 2026
10:00 am

🌊 Meet SRT Olivia Vassar 🌊
Olivia is heading into her 2nd year as an SRT, after also serving as a Junior Beach Patrol (JBP) Assistant Instructor. She spent 5 summers in JBP camp, where she gained a deep respect for the guards, and knew it was her dream to one day become one herself.
Last summer, Olivia was part of Crew 11 on 74th Street, making the most of every moment on and off the beach. From bonfires and crew dinners to the hot dog eating contest, she loves being part of the lifeguard family. When she’s not on duty, you’ll find her wake surfing, out on the boat, or spending time with her crew.
In the off-season, Olivia is a high school junior.
Favorite OCBP Memory: Watching her crew member Vic win the hot dog eating contest 🌭
Top Safety Tip: Stay out of rip currents
Want a job like Olivia’s?
👉 JoinBeachPatrol.com
📅 Final Tryout: Saturday, May 30th
📍 Ocean City Beach
Don’t miss it. 🌊

We are heartbroken with the loss of Lieutenant Edward “Ward” Kovacs, a cherished member of our Beach Patrol family.
For 43 years, Ward served with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and pride. His impact reaches far beyond the shoreline. He helped shape generations of lifeguards, set the standard for service, and built lasting bonds within our department and community.
Ward was more than a leader. He was a mentor, a teammate, and a constant presence who made everyone around him better. His legacy will live on in every guard he trained, every life he touched, and every watch we stand moving forward.
We will miss him deeply.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, fellow officers, lifeguards, and all who had the privilege to know him.

Look who came out to support the candidates today ❤️

Our lifeguards showing what this job is all about teamwork, support, and having each other’s backs from day one.

Good luck to everyone at the tryouts in Ocean Pines. Go all in. 🌊

Stop by Spring Fest and check out Hook Optics 😎

We’re proud to partner with the best in the game: Vision without limits. Our lifeguards put their gear to the test every day, and they’re forever grateful… our eyes are too.

Hands down, the best sunglasses I’ve ever worn.

LAST OFF-SITE TRYOUT FOR 2026 🌊

If you can run and swim… we’ll teach you the rest.

Your shot at the job of a lifetime is here.
Don’t miss it.

Show up ready. We’ll see you there. 👀

🌊 Meet Crew Chief Harrison Duncan 🌊
Harrison is heading into his 5th season on the Patrol, and he’s all in. Inspired by his mom, who once called it the best job she ever had, Harrison knew early on this was where he wanted to be. After moving from New York to Maryland, joining the OCBP wasn’t a question, it was the goal.
Now serving as Crew Chief of Crew 5, Harrison leads the team guarding from 19th to 27th Street, setting the tone every day with leadership, experience, and commitment.
When he’s not on the stand, Harrison keeps busy with paintball, dodgeball, surfing, running, and lifting. He’s also been a Junior Beach Patrol Instructor and even expanded his lifeguarding experience internationally in Costa Rica. Around the Patrol, he’s all about crew events, Middle South competitions, and beach bonfires.
In the off-season, Harrison is graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in Criminal Justice and is currently interning with federal law enforcement at the Supreme Court in D.C.
Favorite OCBP Memory:
“Labor Day weekend 2023, an extremely busy day with around 300 rescues. During an extra PM patrol, I spotted a large group far offshore in the dark near 35th Street. My rescue swimmer and I went in with very limited visibility. Fire Department and backup quads responded. It turned out to be a family of six who absolutely would have drowned if we hadn’t gotten there in time.”
Top Safety Tip:
Ask your lifeguard any and all questions, it’s what they’re there for!
If you want a job like Harrison, visit JoinBeachPatrol.com We have tryouts this Sunday in Ocean Pines.

Sunrise. Empty beach. Engine running. 🌅🏖️

This could be your office.

Join the Ocean City Beach Patrol → JoinBeachPatrol.com

35 days until we’re back on duty. 🌊
Our first day of guarding is May 23.

Until then, keep your feet in the sand…
until the lifeguard’s in the stand.

We’ll see you soon. 👀