Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Monthly Beach Report for May 2021

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	91,900
Preventative Actions	907
Minor Medicals	14
Major Medicals	1
Rescues	5
Average Water Temperature	76
Beach Erosion	Moderate
Stinging Marine Life	Moderate

City lifeguards started extended hours during Memorial Day weekend on Sunday May 23rd. They will be on duty until 7pm during the summer months.

EXTENDED HOURS (5-7pm) STATISTICS – 5/23-5/31
Total Park Attendance	6,390
Preventative Actions	95
Minor Medicals	2
Major Medicals	0
Rescues	0

General Conditions

May 2021 beach attendance did not set any attendance records (Lowest – 50,117 in 2014, highest- 91,943 in 2020) since VBLA started tracking beach statistics in 2011, however, during extended hours (5-7pm) attendance nearly doubled (3,285 in 2020, 6,390 in 2021). During normal business hours (9am- 5pm) beach attendance almost surpassed the record set last year. 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 has been moderate. Due to persistent south/southeast winds, a significant amount of seaweed has been deposited on the shoreline. Areas around South Beach and sections of Jaycee Beach continue to see strong rip currents and flash rips. Most 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 76 degrees. Lifeguards responded to 17 medical calls of which 1 was serious enough that EMS had to be called and 2 minor medical calls occurred during extended hours (5-7pm). There were no fatalities. Most of the minor medical calls were from man-o-war stings, slip and falls, and bumps and bruises. City lifeguards rescued 5 people from rip currents in May bringing the total number of water rescues to 13 in 2021.

The Humiston Park bathrooms and the Conn Beach boardwalk are being renovated. Both projects are projected to be completed in June of this year.

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

The sandbar deposited at South and Jaycee Park beaches have produced powerful rip currents especially outside the guarded areas. It is strongly recommended that beach patrons talk to the lifeguards about these problem areas prior to getting in the water.

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

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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