Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Monthly Beach Report – July 2017

Monthly Beach Report – July 2017

Jaycee Park / Humiston Park / South Beach Park

Our Mission:

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

Email:  VeroBeachLA@Yahoo.com  

Website:  www.VBLA.org

 

STATISTICS

Total Park Attendance                    84514

Preventative Actions                        1360

Minor Medicals                                       45

Major Medicals                                       10

Rescues                                                     5

Average Water Temperature   80

Beach Erosion                                    Minimal

Stinging Marine Life                          Moderate

 

General Conditions

Light winds have improved water clarity resulting in “top to bottom” visibility on most days just in time for lobster mini season. Lobster mini season brought out scores of divers during the two day event.  Sea turtle nesting was very active while hatchlings have begun to emerge in larger numbers.  Pods of mullet have begun to appear.  Larger fish such as jack, tarpon and sharks are attracted to the mullet and can be seen feeding on the pods.   Improved water conditions allowed greater opportunities for snorkeling, diving, paddle boarding and kayaking.  Attendance at the City beach parks reached a new July record of over 84,000 breaking the previous record set in 2012 of 81,000.  In just the past few weeks, Jetsetter.com, ABC news and Conde Nast Traveller rated Vero Beach as a top beach destination in Florida.  Patrons seem to be spreading out, away from the guarded areas, filling in the areas between South, Humiston and JC beach parks most likely due to parking issues.  Lifeguards were very busy with 5 water rescue in July bringing the total number of swimmers rescued from rip currents in 2017 to 12.  Hot temperatures have resulted in numerous heat-related injuries.  Many dog owners continue to bring their dogs to the beach parks which are violations of City ordinances.  All swimmers are advised to pay close attention to beach condition signs and flags, swim near lifeguard towers and avoid swimming during non-guarded beach hours.

 

Areas of Progress

The Vero Beach police department has started patrolling the beach.  The police presence should curtail some illegal activities on the beach and provide welcomed support to the lifeguards.  Vero Beach City Council continued to support funding for lifeguards for the upcoming budget year.  VBLA produced a beach safety video to educate the public.  The video can be seen on COVB.org, VBLA.org and at most beachside hotels.  VBLA hopes that more people will take the time to watch the video and education themselves prior to coming to the beach.

 

Areas of Concern

Lifeguards are only able to oversee approximately 1,200 yards of the 4 miles of beach within the City limits.  Beach patrons seem to be filling in the unguarded areas between South, Humiston and JC Parks.  Dog owners continue to ignore City ordinances by bringing their dogs to City beach parks.  Many individuals and families are on the beach far from a guarded area and/or in the water after lifeguards leave at 5pm. VBLA recommends that the City of Vero Beach recognize the essential public safety role lifeguards have in protecting the public by extending lifeguard hours to 7pm to address this safety issue.  The following is a list of communities who have extended lifeguards hours to better protect the public:

 

Boca Raton

Clearwater Beach

Delray Beach

Fort Lauderdale

Hallandale

Hollywood

Manatee County

City of Miami

Miami-Dade County

Pompano Beach

Escambia County

Sarasota County

 

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.

 

Nancilee Wydra
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