Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Monthly Beach Report for May 2018

Vero Beach Lifeguard Association

Monthly Beach Report

Jaycee Park  /  Humiston Park  /  South Beach Park 

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 51,550

Preventative Actions 992

Minor Medicals 3

Major Medicals 1

Rescues 2

Average Water Temperature 78

Beach Erosion Moderate

Stinging Marine Life Minimal

General Conditions

 

May attendance was low compared to 2017 (74,000) mainly due to stormy weather.  The ocean water temperature has risen into the upper 70’s. Sea turtles continue to lay their clutches of eggs up and down the coastline.   Wind and tides have carved out some beaches leaving a steep drop off in some areas of the shoreline. In addition, seaweed and numerous types of shells have been deposited on the beach.  Two swimmers were rescued from rip currents by lifeguards bringing the total number of people saved from potential drowning to 24 in 2018.

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

 

With help from Coastal Technologies Corporation, Hoos Architects, Mills Short Engineers, Farrow Construction, City of Vero Beach Recreation Department, Councilwoman Laura Moss, Mayor Harry Howle and many others, VBLA’s goal of giving 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

 

As beach attendance grows, more and more people are outside the guarded areas increasing the likelihood of accidents and drowning.  More police presence is needed on the beach to curb illegal activities. During lightning storms, it is strongly advised that the public evacuate the beach and seek shelter.         

 

    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, and training for the lifeguards from the city of Vero Beach.  Please send donations to: VBLA, 1351 White Heron Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963.

Nikki Kalin
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