~~~ Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Monthly Beach Report for June 2021 ~~~ Vero Vine ~~~ Vero Beach, FL

Jaycee Park

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Humiston Park

South Beach Park

Our Mission:

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

Website: www.VBLA.org

STATISTICS (9am – 5pm)
Total Park Attendance	59,900
Preventative Actions	742
Minor Medicals	17
Major Medicals	4
Rescues	3
Average Water Temperature	78
Beach Erosion	Minimal
Stinging Marine Life	Moderate

City lifeguards started extended hours during Memorial Day weekend. They will be on duty until 7pm during the summer months.

EXTENDED HOURS (5-7pm) STATISTICS – 6/1-6/30
Total Park Attendance	16,345
Preventative Actions	273
Minor Medicals	4
Major Medicals	0
Rescues	1

General Conditions

June 2021 beach attendance did not set any attendance records (Lowest – 58,165 in 2016, highest- 110,000 in 2018) but came close to the lowest beach attendance set back in 2016. In contrast, during extended hours (5-7pm) attendance was strong with over 16,000 visitors within our guarded areas. Over the years, VBLA has noticed that beach patrons are spreading out along our four miles of City beach filling in the approximately one mile distance between each of the three lifeguard towers. As a result, many of people who visit the beach are not counted in our attendance numbers. Beach erosion was minimal. Strong rip currents in areas around South Beach and sections of Jaycee Beach have abated somewhat. Approximately one half of the rip current rescues have been outside the guarded areas. Sea turtle nests are appearing in greater numbers. The ocean water temperature has risen to 78 degrees. Lifeguards responded to 25 medical calls of which 4 required Fire/Rescue/EMS. There were no fatalities. Most of the minor medical calls were from man-o-war stings, slip and falls, bumps and bruises. City lifeguards rescued 4 people from rip currents in June bringing the total number of water rescues to 17 in 2021.

The Conn Beach boardwalk is being renovated.

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 Concern

Many dog owners are violating the rules for allowing dogs on the beach and the prohibition of dogs in our three beach parks at Jaycee, Humiston and South Beach.

More people are on the beach outside the guarded areas increasing the likelihood of accidents and drownings.

Areas of Progress

The Humiston bathroom renovation project is complete.

Due to extended lifeguard hours, a 10 year old boy was rescued from a rip current by lifeguards at South Beach Park around 6pm on June 29^th. We applaud the City of Vero Beach for taking a proactive approach to public safety.

With help from Waldo’s, Minuteman Press, Coastal Technology Corporation, Hoos Architects, Mills Short Engineers, Farrow Construction, City of Vero Beach 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 will be a reality once we find a donor.

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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