Alumni Spotlight

Hurley McBrierty 1980-86

What made you join the beach patrol?
As a child I always admired the life guards they were always very fit and great athletes. In addition it seemed like a very important job and people respected your position and the importance of maintaining safety on a crowded beach

​What are some of your best memories from your years with the WCBP?
The fraternity of my WCBP Mates. All the memories of the beach on and off. Not to mention during the 80's Wildwood was at the height of decadence and the all ya could eat buffet for a young man.

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Tell us about your life after the beach.
After WCBP I was recruited by General Electric and have worked as a medical sales rep for 30 years working in the operating room selling anesthesia machines and patient monitors. I still place importance on life balance. I work out 5 days a week play golf 3 times a week and spend as much time with wife Beth and my 2 boys Brendan 18 and Collin 16. We still spend lots of time on the Jersey shores mainly in Ocean City where we have a family house in the Gardens. I don't get down to the Crest as much as I like but occasionally get down to see the old gang. Max, Jack Moore, Mert, Hawk, Tom F. and Brother-Brother Wiz, my old rowing partner. The Crest is still my favorite beach and still love working out at the Atilis gym. I will always look back on those WCBP days as some of the best of my life. I would do it all over 100 times. Whenever I talk to some of the younger kids that are contemplating trying out I always tell them they will never regret it. During my days as a guard I always worked as a Rover from stand 1-6, best job. Past partners were Hawkeye Dave Ferraro, Tom Popdan , Scott Spear, Bick, L-Fee, Greek, Jeff Walden, Lance, and Matt Donahue his rookie year. Famous line I remember from my partner Hawk was he would say, "What's mine is mine, what's yours is yours. I'm going to sleep watch for the keep." Lol. Best freakin times!

How has the beach patrol impacted your life?
Taught me to go big or don't go at all. It was a job of self discipline, vigilance, and required superior fitness and a job that required at times very quick thinking. ​

What advice would you give a young guard today?
Visualize it, believe it, achieve it. It's a job you will love and remember all your life. Don't forget to watch the water. 

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