The boats were self-bailing and the surfmen drilled continuously in launching, righting, rowing and beaching. The boat could be righted and the crew back at the rowing stations within 20 seconds of a capsizing. Today, boaters negotiating the Jupiter Inlet are watched over by the Palm Beach County Beach Patrol. A surfboat propelled by two rowers is stationed there along with more advanced equipment. Lifeguards communicate with boats by VHF radios and respond to disabled vessels in a rigid hull inflatable powered by a 90 horsepower outboard.
Lifeguards drill on a regular basis to master the skills necessary to protect bathers and boaters.
Palm Beach County Beach Patrol's staff of 72 maintains safety at twelve County beaches from Boca Raton to Tequesta. One of the most popular beaches, Carlin Park, is located on the site of the original lifesaving station and was named after the station's captain. The Beach Patrol has inflatable rescue boats at the Boynton Inlet, Boca Raton Inlet, and Jupiter Inlet. Towers at all three beaches have VHF base stations, and the inflatable rescue boats are equipped with VHF handheld radios. Two training officers conduct drills and instruct lifeguards on a continuous basis.