VBLA January 2016 Beach Report

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STATISTICS

Total Park Attendance 36084
Preventative Actions 669
Minor Medicals 10
Major Medicals 1
Rescues 1
Average Water Temperature 68
Beach Erosion Moderate
Stinging Marine Life Minimal

General Conditions

Rain, colder weather and strong winds kept many beachgoers away in January. Ocean temperatures have fallen into the upper 60’s. Sustained southeast winds have pushed in Portuguese Man-o-War and plenty of seaweed. The City continues to groom the beach and will continue to do so until April. Lifeguards rescued 1 swimmer from a rip current in January. 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

Portuguese Man-o-War usually wash ashore during sustained Southeast winds. These “siphonophores” (not jellyfish) can cause painful stings. The best remedies for these stings are hot, soapy water and/or heat. A recent study suggests NOT to use a combination of water and vinegar in solution because the vinegar may trigger the release of more poison into the skin. Vinegar is still recommended for jellyfish stings. Remember to remove as many of the tentacles as possible with a gloved hand. Although beach grooming provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance, removing seaweed prohibits natural dune growth and eliminates food sources for birds, insects and crabs. Dog owners continue to bring their dogs to the beach parks causing unhealthy conditions. The City of Vero Beach prohibits dogs, excluding service dogs, on any of the beach parks. Central Beach, the beach from The Driftwood Inn to Vero Beach Hotel and Spa remains unguarded. 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.