VBLA Beach Report February 2016

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

Our Mission: To promote water safety in Vero Beach and the surrounding communities.

Statistics

Total Park Attendance	44,326
Preventative Actions	773
Minor Medicals	11
Major Medicals	1
Rescues	2
Average Water Temperature	68
Beach Erosion	Moderate
Stinging Marine Life	Moderate

General Conditions

Nicer weather, the start of spring break and colder weather up north brought more patrons to the beach in February.  Ocean temperatures remained in the upper 60’s but will start to warm up as Spring arrives.  Sustained southeast winds continue to push in Portuguese Man-o-War and some seaweed onto our beaches.  The City will discontinue beach grooming as of March 1^st because of the start of turtle nesting season.   Lifeguards rescued 2 swimmers from rip currents in February bringing the total number of water rescues for 2016 to 3.  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

Vero Beach ranked #1 in 2015 along with Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Palm Beach County with the greatest number of water related deaths on the beach outside guarded areas and hours of operation (2 deaths). VBLA continues to stress that the public should swim at or near one of the three guarded beaches the City of Vero Beach provides. 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 understand the potential life threatening conditions that exist in the ocean.

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.