Beach Safety Director Taking New Role in Corrections.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Ray Manchester, the Director of Beach Safety here in Volusia County, will assume a new role with the county as lead investigator in the corrections division.

Manchester took over as the Director of Beach Safety back in September of 2016, he was praised as perfectly suited to lead the division and someone who had worked on nearly every inch of the sand along Volusia County’s coast.

According to a release, 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.

As someone who has joined the state’s deferred retirement option or DROP program, in 2019 and as his retirement date drew closer, it was a suitable time to begin the transition. The change will allow Manchester 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 appointed.

“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 about my new position at corrections, I will miss beach safety, and I will be available as a resource if needed.”

The transition for Manchester will begin as of January 25.