Photos and story by Grace Galbreath
CAPE MAY POINT – This week’s featured lifeguard, Justin Machita, has spent every summer since birth in Cape May Point. Hailing from Collegeville, PA, Justin is a rising junior studying Finance at Pennsylvania State University. At school, Justin is an outfielder for Penn State’s club baseball team.
Justin’s family has played a big role in his Cape May upbringing. “My grandparents have a house in Cape May. They live down there full time. Their parents started going down in the 50s and it’s been in my mom’s side of the family ever since,” Justin said.
This summer will be Justin’s second guarding with the Cape May Point Beach Patrol. He tried out for the beach patrol following a recommendation from a friend and has been enjoying working on the beach ever since.
“This will be my second year. I got into it because my family friend was on the patrol. I really enjoy it! I had a great year last year, and I am looking forward to starting this year,” Justin said.
Although he is relatively new to the patrol, Justin has already competed in several beach patrol competitions and is looking forward to participating in more this summer.
Justin said, “I did the Surf Dash for Cape May Point last year. I will probably end up doing it again. We also did the Navy Seal Challenge in Wildwood last year. It is on August 5th this year, so I will do that again.”
The Navy Seal Challenge is one of his favorite memories of his time with the beach patrol. The event begins with a swim, followed by a run. During the run, teams of four carry a 50 to 60 lb. pipe through a mile-long beach obstacle course. Each team must complete the course 3 times. Last year, Justin and his team clinched fourth place, an exciting feat considering Cape May Point is one of the smallest patrols in South Jersey.
When off the clock, Justin enjoys spending time on the beach, watching the sunset, and getting ice cream. As for his favorite part of the job, Justin did not hesitate. “Getting paid to be on the beach,” he said.
Come visit Justin this summer in Cape May Point. If you don’t spot him on the stand, you certainly will see him at The Dry Dock, his favorite ice cream shop on the island!
