The Boat Beat: ‘Officer Ski’ and the Avalon Police Marine Unit

Officer Ed “Ski” Szubski aboard his patrol boat.

You’d no doubt recognize him after seeing him in his inflatable response boat. But chances are, you might not know his name. But then, that’s probably a good thing, because that means you haven’t had a recent marine emergency or haven’t required assistance on the water lately. His given name is Ed Szubski, but friends and associates simply call him “Ski.” On the waterways around Avalon, he’s known to many as Officer Ski.

Ski and Matt Mattera, who is a retired sergeant from the North Wildwood Police Department, comprise the Avalon Police Department’s two-boat Marine Unit. It is one of only two marine units in the county and one of only a handful in all of South Jersey. The marine unit is entrusted with the safety of boaters in and around the island’s waterways.

“The marine unit is vital to the safety and security of Avalon, due to it being a barrier island,” Police Chief Jeff Christopher says. “The marine unit not only provides a community service but also ensures the safety of the boaters by providing assistance and rescues when needed.”

The unit also promotes safety by enforcing speed restrictions in no-wake areas.

Avalon’s first patrol boat circa 1963, just six years after the official creation of the modern day Avalon Police Department and long before the creation of Avalon’s Marine Bureau.

“Our job is to be out on the water and to offer assistance when needed,” Szubski says. “People are usually pretty happy to see me. I often come along when a boater needs assistance or help. It’s often a relief when I arrive. Our chief always reminds us, if you can help someone, make their day a little better.”

This is further illustrated by the fact that for the majority of this summer, the marine unit averages only one summons for every 14 to 15 warnings issued.

After a career of more than 20 years in law enforcement, Szubski retired as a lieutenant with the New Jersey Department of Corrections. He was recruited to assist the Borough of Avalon in developing its policies and procedures for a “new” marine unit more than 17 years ago. The marine unit was intended to replace the decades-old unofficial position of Harbormaster employed by Avalon since the late 1960s. “After helping to develop the policies for the department, I said, ‘This is the perfect job for me.’”

A law-enforcement background and a childhood spent growing up in and around his father’s marina business meshed perfectly.

“I spent so much of my youth around boats,” he says. “It feels natural for me to be on the water.”

With so many changes happening so quickly, he worries about the disappearance of what he refers to as common courtesy on the water.

“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see a large boat, with its large wake, pass too closely to a small, anchored fishing vessel. It’s important to show common courtesy to other boaters when you are boating. Being courteous benefits everyone.”

He also emphasizes the importance of understanding how to operate your boat: “Everyone needs to take the time to learn how to operate their boat safely and understand the rules of seamanship.”

Szubski has been able to utilize his combined experiences on the water and background in law enforcement perfectly in Avalon. He has 17 years’ experience with Avalon’s marine unit. Over the course of his career, he’s seen the use of boats, like everything, evolve. “For example, today, people are using boats more at night for relaxation,” he notes. “Sunset cruises are especially popular.”

Szubski is a valued member of the Avalon Police Department and a perfect fit for the marine unit. Among his many attributes, he’s remarkably dependable and can be counted on when needed. His peers say that he is known for his enthusiasm, quick wit, sense of humor, knowledge of the job and willingness to help anyone in need.

That attribute of being willing to help was never more evident than in the fall of 2001 when he spent nearly two months at ground zero following 9/11. But it’s also had its consequences: He recently finished a round of chemotherapy to treat lymphoma. “They’ve certified that it’s a result of being at Ground Zero,” he says. He continues to be monitored along with other first responders on an annual basis.

“I consider myself pretty lucky,” he says matter-of-factly. “It took 20 years to catch up to me. Others haven’t been so lucky. But they caught it early enough and I began chemo right away. My recent PET scan looked good, so again, I’m lucky.”

Perhaps it’s just that kind of attitude that’s made Officer Ski a favorite in and around Avalon.

He’s responded to thousands of emergencies including overturned boats, overdue boaters and personal watercraft riders, boating accidents, swimmers in distress and more. Not surprisingly, he also has received numerous letters from citizens thanking him for the service he’s provided and commendations from supervisors for outstanding performance.

The Avalon Police Department’s Marine Unit, which operates from May through early September, is just another example of the Borough of Avalon caring for the experience of its residents and visitors.

“Ski is a valuable member of the Avalon Police Department,” concludes Christopher.

The waterways are a big part of the overall Avalon experience. Next time Officer Ski cruises by your dock or boat, be sure to give him a wave.