The Oceanside Fire Department is proud to announce the selection of Tyler Berry for the position of Beach Lifeguard Captain. Tyler has worked for the Lifeguard Division for over 22 years, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, and is enrolled in a Master’s Degree program.  He has certifications in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), rescue boat operations, the incident command system, advanced lifeguard academy instruction, swiftwater and flood rescue, dive operations, and much more.

Tyler has received awards for heroism, valor, and lifesaving. 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. 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. As he has risen through the Lifeguard Division ranks, he has consistently demonstrated the Oceanside Fire Department's core values: teamwork, resilience, integrity, professionalism, and leadership.

The Oceanside Lifeguards are a Division of the Oceanside Fire Department, and employs over 80 part-time and full-time personnel. They provide public safety to users of Oceanside’s coastline and ocean waterways, from the Oceanside Harbor entrance to the south city limits, safeguarding 3.7 miles of beach. Oceanside has a small craft harbor, the Oceanside Pier, multiple smaller piers, rock jetties and sandy beaches.

2024 Lifeguard Division statistics were as follows:

• Beach Attendance: 3,714,609

• Water Attendance: 1,500,117

• Preventative Actions: 14,858

• Ocean Rescues: 1,419

• Minor Medical Aids:1,232

• Boat Rescues: 71

• EMS Response w/OFD:403

• Safe Swim/Surf Area Enforcement: 63,412

• Law Education Enforcements:9,327

• Sea Wildlife Assists: 11

• Found Children: 160

The Oceanside Lifeguard Service operates 365 days per year and lifeguard services and special teams are a part of the 911 system and respond to after-hours emergencies. Lifeguard responsibilities include water rescue of swimmers and surfers, emergency medical care, boat rescues, underwater search and rescue teams, Swift-water rescue teams for river or flood emergencies, missing persons, and other related emergencies. The lifeguard service utilizes a wide variety of rescue equipment to handle these responsibilities, including 4-wheel drive vehicles, rescue paddleboards, all-terrain vehicles or ATVs, personal watercraft, and inflatable rescue boats. Lifeguards also utilize Lifeguard Rescue Boats.

The Lifeguard Division also operates the Marine Safety Unit. It is a 24-hour lifeguard and firefighter/paramedic rescue and fire boat unit incorporated in February 2023. The Marine Safety Unit, or MSU, provides lifeguard, EMS, and marine firefighting services to the Oceanside Harbor and Oceanside coastline. The MSU operates two rescue vessels and a land-based patrol unit. For emergencies, boaters can dial 911 or contact Lifeguards over marine radio VHF 16.