Photos and story by Amanda Sciandra
For this lifeguard of the week, we put a spotlight on beach medic Cornelius Maxwell (Max) of the Wildwood Beach Patrol. Although he isn’t technically a lifeguard, Max is an invaluable member of the beach patrol team. Max was born and raised in Juniata Park, Philadelphia – he became a pipefitter by trade and moved to New Jersey because he had to travel there so often for work.
Max made the move to West Wildwood where he still lives to this day. “I love the island. I’d rather be here than anywhere,” Max said.
Max has worked as a beach EMT for the last 19 years. “Like any emergency service, it is very routine until something happens. It’s boredom interrupted by chaos.”
Max projects so much confidence that we think he might be able to do it all. Along with being an EMT, Max works full-time for the Wildwood Crest Rescue Squad. Not only that, but Max is a volunteer fireman. He has put 23 years into the Navy Reserves.
But above all else, Max prides himself on being a handyman. According to Max, being a handyman is what helped him get the job as a beach EMT. He enjoys fixing things and being able to help in any way he can.
“When I came down here, I said I was going to get involved and that is exactly what I did,” Max said.
Max’s favorite part of the job is that he gets to be there for the lifeguards. “All these guys and girls who do this job every day. My job is to support these guys in whatever they do,” he said.
Another perk of the job is that Max gets to spend time with his kids, who work for the Beach Patrol. One of his fondest memories was when he and his daughter were paddling out in the water, and they saw dolphins together.
“An experience someone would pay for, I get to do for free,” Max said.
Because Max loves keeping busy, he doesn’t have much free time, especially during the summer season. But there is light on the horizon: Max is planning to retire next year, which will mark 20 years of service for the Wildwood Beach Patrol.
“It’s time to take care of me and my kids,” he says.
Next time you’re on the Wildwood beach, know that there are people like Max who are there to help when things go south.
