October Vero Beach Lifeguard Report

Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Monthly Beach Report For Jaycee Park / Humiston Park / South Beach Park

October 2015

 

Mission:

To promote water safety and lifeguarding in Vero Beach and the surrounding communities

Email:  VeroBeachLA@Yahoo.com 

Website:  www.VBLA.org

STATISTICS
Total Park Attendance	35,787
Preventative Actions	903
Minor Medicals	23
Major Medicals	3
Rescues	2
Average Water Temperature	84
Beach Erosion	Moderate
Stinging Marine Life	Moderate

General Conditions

The average ocean temperature remained unchanged from September at 84 degrees.  Pods of mullet, the tarpon which feed on the mullet and larger predatory fish are still around.  October’s beach attendance, preventative actions, major and minor medicals were all down from September.  Vero Beach lifeguards rescued 2 swimmers from rip currents in the month of October bringing the total number of rescues in 2015 to 36.  All swimmers are advised to pay close attention to beach condition flags, swim near lifeguard towers and avoid swimming during non-guarded beach hours.

Areas of Concern

Central Beach, the beach from The Driftwood Inn to Vero Beach Hotel and Spa remains unguarded.  Sharkbait Beach Gear Rentals staff, who rent umbrella and chair set ups on Central Beach, had 4 confirmed “Good Samaritan” rescues; a non-lifeguard who enters the water and saves a distressed swimmer.  VBLA continues to stress that the public should swim at or near one of the three guarded beaches the City of Vero Beach provides.  The average time it takes for a person to drown is between 20 and 60 seconds.  In the event of an emergency, the greater the distance lifeguards have to travel decreases the likelihood of a successful outcome.  Many individuals and families are on the beach far from a guarded area and/or in the water after lifeguards leave at 5pm.  VBLA encourages patrons to swim at a guarded beach during lifeguard hours and to understand the potential life threatening conditions.

Key

Park Attendance:  includes areas immediately north and south of each park

Preventative Actions:  stopping potential incidents before they occur

Minor Medicals:  a medical incident which is treated on-site by lifeguard/EMT                                personnel

Major Medicals:  a medical incident that required Emergency Medical Services

About VBLA

This report is furnished by the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association, a non-profit, 501C3 organization.  Its mission is to promote water safety and lifeguarding in Vero Beach and the surrounding communities.  Contact us at VeroBeachLA@Yahoo.com or (908)797-8725.  Visit us at www.VBLA.org.  Donations are appreciated.  Monies raised are used to purchase equipment, supplies, staffing and training for the lifeguards from the city of Vero Beach.  Please send donations to:  VBLA, 1351 White Heron Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963.