Beach safety director to take new position in corrections

Posted On: January 14, 2021

Back in September 2016, when he was confirmed as beach safety director, Ray Manchester was hailed as both perfectly suited to lead the division and someone who had worked on nearly every inch of the sand along Volusia County’s coast.

After all, Manchester started his career with beach safety as a 17-year-old seasonal tower lifeguard in 1984 before working his way up to the top spot. That’s a lot of institutional and operational knowledge and experience gained over his 37-year career on the beach that won’t be easily replaced. But with Manchester in the twilight of his career, the county has begun that transition. Beginning Jan. 25, Manchester will assume a new role with the county as lead investigator in the corrections division – paving the way for the change in leadership at beach safety.

Manchester entered the state’s deferred retirement option, or DROP program, in 2019. With his retirement date getting closer, it was a fitting time to begin the transition. The change will give Manchester the opportunity to continue his public safety career with the county a little while longer while also mentoring the new beach safety director once the position is filled.

“Since my first day as a lifeguard almost 37 years ago, I have considered myself very lucky to love my job and make a career out of it,” said Manchester. “While I’m excited for my new position at corrections, I will miss beach safety and I will be available as a resource if needed.”

After graduating high school, Manchester became a fulltime lifeguard in 1986. Ten years later, he became triple certified as a law enforcement officer, lifeguard and EMT. It was part of a county program to cross-train beach officers in multiple disciplines to enhance safety and make the officers more versatile. In 2014, Manchester was promoted to deputy chief of operations.

During his tenure as beach safety director, Manchester guided the division’s beach safety ocean rescue through two consecutive reaccreditations by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. Volusia County beach safety ocean rescue has been accredited since 2006.