~~~ Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Monthly Beach Report for February 2019 ~~~ Vero Vine ~~~ Vero Beach, FL

Our Mission:

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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 78000

Preventative Actions 1208

Minor Medicals 15

Major Medicals 1

Rescues 3

Average Water Temperature 68

Beach Erosion Minor

Stinging Marine Life Moderate

General Conditions

February monthly beach attendance was robust but not in record territory (the record was set in February 2018 with 97,000) due to colder temperatures and some cloudy, rainy conditions. Strong winds and currents have contributed to minor beach erosion. Copious amounts of seaweed washed ashore. Many surfcasting fisherman were on the beach from South Beach Park to Jaycee Park. The ocean water temperature has dropped into the mid to upper 60’s.

Lifeguards responded to 16 medical calls which included one major medical emergency. Lifeguards rescued 3 people from rip currents in the month of February.

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

City of Vero Beach lifeguards and Indian River County Fire/Rescue have been conducting joint training on the beach every Tuesday.

With help from Idea Garden, Waldo’s, Minuteman Press, Coastal Technology Corporation, Hoos Architects, Mills Short Engineers, Farrow Construction, City of Vero Beach Recreation Department, and City Council, VBLA’s goal of giving our lifeguards the ability to see more of the beach and react to emergencies faster by building a lifeguard tower and command center at Humiston Park is progressing.

Areas of Concern

Whenever beaches are closed due to large surf, sharks or other emergencies, it is strongly advised that the public stay out of the water due to the dangerous conditions and/or the absence of lifeguards.

Many surfcasting fisherman were on the beach from South Beach Park to Jaycee Park. The ocean water temperature has dropped into the mid to upper 60’s.

Key

Park Attendance: an estimated count of park attendees to include boardwalks within each park and 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

Rescues: Any water related emergency to include rip current rescues, fatigued swimmers, surfing, kite boarding and/or boating accidents.

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, 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

Nikki Kalin literally has the Treasure Coast, especially Vero Beach as her home and her office. Having grown up and educated in Indian River County Nikki works with a deep knowledge to tend Vero Vine with a continual reach into all the communities of the Treasure Coast. She is in the vineyard virtually every day. Following its growth, nurturing start-ups, longtime roots, and branches of businesses, non-profits, municipalities, and everyday people. Nikki makes certain Vero Vine is connected.

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