Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Monthly Beach Report for July 2021

Jaycee Park / 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	71,600
Preventative Actions	1,126
Minor Medicals	29
Major Medicals	3
Rescues	1
Average Water Temperature	82
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 – 7/1-7/31
Total Park Attendance	23,970
Preventative Actions	322
Minor Medicals	7
Major Medicals	0
Rescues	1

General Conditions

July 2021 beach attendance did not set any attendance records (Lowest – 59,905 in 2015, highest- 93,000 in 2018). In contrast, during extended lifeguard hours attendance was at a record high with almost 24,000 visitors within our guarded areas between the hours of 5pm and 7pm. It is important to note, however, that even though attendance numbers are not as strong as previous 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. West winds have created excellent visibility for scuba divers, snorkelers and free divers. Sea turtle nests are appearing in greater numbers. The ocean water temperature has risen to 82 degrees. Lifeguards responded to 36 medical calls of which 3 required Fire/Rescue/EMS. There were no fatalities. Most of the minor medical calls were from heat exhaustion, man-o-war stings, dislocations and slip and falls. City lifeguards rescued 2 people from rip currents in July bringing the total number of water rescues to 19 in 2021.

The Conn Beach boardwalk under renovation.

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

Due to lifeguards being present during extended lifeguard hours, a 7 year old boy was rescued from a rip current at Humiston Beach Park around 6:40 pm on July 13^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 VBLAThis 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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