Monthly Beach Report – October 2017

Jaycee Park / Humiston Park / South Beach Park

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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 28,037

Preventative Actions 727

Minor Medicals 9

Major Medicals 0

Rescues 2

Average Water Temperature 78

Beach Erosion Replenishing

Stinging Marine Life Low

General Conditions

The beach and beach parks are slowly recovering from hurricane Irma. The sand that was pulled into the surf zone is slowly being re-deposited on our stretch of beach. Dunes are forming as easterly winds bring back the sand. Debris from the storm is being cleaned up and protective dunes replenishment projects are in discussion. Large amounts of seaweed have been deposited. Turtle nesting season ended October 31st allowing beaches to be groomed from November through February. Attendance was extremely low because of the damage from the hurricane, the time of year and weather conditions. During two rescues at South Beach, lifeguards rescued 8 people who were swept out by rip currents bringing the total number of water rescues to 17 in 2017. The topography of the beach has changed dramatically as sand was pulled from the beach into the water creating dangerous rip currents, breaks in the sand bar and drop offs. All swimmers are advised to pay close attention to beach condition signs and flags, swim near lifeguard towers and avoid swimming during non-guarded hours.

Areas of Progress

The beach and beach parks are slowing getting back to normal. The City of Vero Beach is repairing and replacing structures and equipment damaged by Irma and many citizens and organizations have taken upon themselves to conduct additional beach clean ups.

Areas of Concern

Many locals and tourists complain about the seaweed on the beach. Seaweed is an important part of our coastal and ocean ecosystem providing food and habitat for a variety of species. Furthermore, seaweed provides a place where sand and seeds collect to help build the beaches and dunes, nutrients for coastal systems, and areas where birds and other animals forage and find shelter. The wrack line (the area where items from the ocean are deposited on the shore between high and low tide) hold important food and habitat for small crustaceans and other species. Thoughtful seaweed management practices and techniques should continue to be employed.

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.

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Nikki Kalin

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