By SDCN Editor
Oceanside, CA – The Oceanside Fire Department has announced the appointment of Tyler Berry as the new Beach Lifeguard Captain.
With over 22 years of experience in the Lifeguard Division, Berry brings expertise and leadership to his new role. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree. His extensive certifications include Emergency Medical Technician, rescue boat operations, incident command system, advanced lifeguard academy instruction, swift water and flood rescue, and dive operations.
Berry has been recognized for heroism, valor, and lifesaving efforts. He is widely praised for his supportive leadership style, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking. As a longtime Oceanside resident, he embodies the Fire Department’s mission of “Embracing Families and Safeguarding Communities,” treating the responsibility of protecting beachgoers as his own family. His steady rise through the ranks reflects the department’s core values of teamwork, resilience, integrity, professionalism, and leadership.
The Oceanside Lifeguards, a division of the Oceanside Fire Department, consist of over 80 full-time and part-time personnel dedicated to ensuring public safety along Oceanside’s 3.7 miles of coastline, from the harbor entrance to the city’s southern limits. Their jurisdiction includes a small craft harbor, the iconic Oceanside Pier, several smaller piers, rock jetties, and sandy beaches.
Operating year-round, the Lifeguard Division plays a critical role in the City’s emergency response system, handling water rescues, emergency medical care, boat rescues, underwater search and recovery, and swift-water rescues during river or flood emergencies. Lifeguards utilize a range of specialized equipment, including 4-wheel drive vehicles, rescue paddle boards, ATVs, personal watercraft, inflatable rescue boats, and lifeguard rescue boats.
Additionally, the Lifeguard Division oversees the Marine Safety Unit, established in February 2023. This 24-hour unit integrates lifeguards, firefighters/paramedics, and marine firefighting services to protect Oceanside Harbor and the surrounding coastline. The MSU operates two rescue vessels and a land-based patrol unit, ensuring rapid emergency response. Boaters in distress can call 911 or reach lifeguards by marine radio VHF Channel 16.
With Berry at the helm, the Oceanside Fire Department is confident that the Lifeguard Division will continue to uphold its mission of protecting residents and visitors.
