~~~ VBLA Monthly Beach Report for June 2020 ~~~ Vero Vine ~~~ Vero Beach, FL

Jaycee Park
Humiston Park
South Beach Park

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Our Mission:

To promote lifeguarding and water safety in Vero Beach and the surrounding communities

*STATISTICS
Total Park Attendance	85,520
Preventative Actions	1000
Minor Medicals	26
Major Medicals	2
Rescues	1
Average Water Temperature	82
Beach Erosion	Minimal
Stinging Marine Life	Moderate

*Does not include extended hours statistics

General Conditions

June 2020 beach attendance was more than June 2019 attendance (84,000) but still far below June 2018’s record shattering 110,000 patrons. The COVID-19 pandemic may be contributing to lower attendance by discouraging some out-of-state and international tourists from coming to Vero Beach and those Floridians concerned about social distancing and crowds. Over the years, VBLA has noticed that beach patrons are spreading out along the four miles of City beach. Since 2015, we have seen a steady migration of beach patrons away from the guarded areas, filling in the approximately one mile distance between each of the three lifeguard towers. Beach attendance is taken within the guarded beaches (200 yards each) and 50 yards north and south of each tower. Patrons outside of the aforementioned areas are not counted in our report. Light, west winds and small surf have contributed to top-to-bottom water visibility and tranquil surf conditions for most of the month of June. Afternoon thunderstorms were numerous. Sea turtle nesting was in full swing. The sea turtle researchers are marking every 18^th nest depending on the species and where the nests are located. The type of turtles within and under the marked nests are noted by the following initials: Cm=green turtle, Cc=loggerhead turtle, Dc=leatherback turtle. Beach grooming (the removal of seaweed from the beach) stopped at the end of April and will resume once turtle nesting season is over on October 31^st. The ocean water temperature has risen to 82 degrees. Lifeguards responded to 32 medical calls of which 4 were serious enough that those patients were transported to the hospital. Two of the four major medical calls came between the extended hours of 5-7pm. Lifeguards saw over 18,000 visitors during the extended hours. Lifeguards rescued one person from a rip current in the month of June bringing the total number of water rescues in 2020 to 23 compared to 12 by the end of June 2019. Volunteers from the VBLA completed the installation of the marker buoys on the PEP reef which runs along Central Beach. All three guarded beaches within the City limits started extended hours on Memorial Day weekend. Lifeguards will be on duty from 9am to 7pm during the summer.

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

Lifeguards started extended hours during Memorial Day weekend on Sunday May 24^th. They will be on duty until 7pm during the summer months which will keep our beaches safer.

EXTENDED HOURS (5-7pm) STATISTICS – 6/1-6/30
Total Park Attendance	18,475
Preventative Actions	406
Minor Medicals	2
Major Medicals	2
Rescues	0

Orange and white marker buoys have been installed on the Prefabricated Erosion Prevention (PEP) reef which extends 3000 feet from Humiston Park to The Village Spires along Central Beach. These buoys may prevent swimmers from being injured by the reef as it is located within the surf zone at a very popular section of beach.

The City of Vero Beach Police Department have continued their beach patrols. This is a welcomed sight to many beach goers as community policing and safer beaches are important and very much appreciated.

We hope the public understands the need to discontinue the beach grooming during turtle nesting season and the fact that seaweed left on the beach helps to strengthen and protect our shoreline.

With help from Idea Garden, Waldo’s, Minuteman Press, Coastal Technology Corporation, Hoos Architects, Mills Short Engineers, Farrow Construction, City of Vero Beach Recreation Department, 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 is progressing.

Areas of Concern

Some patrons are complaining about the amount of seaweed on the beach. Seaweed is a natural occurrence and part of a healthy beach ecology. Removal of the seaweed may weaken the beach’s foundation, prevent the formation of protective dunes and increase beach erosion.

Many dog owners are violating the newly enacted policy of allowing dogs on the beach.

As beach attendance grows more people are outside the guarded areas increasing the likelihood of accidents and drownings.

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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Nikki Kalin

Nikki Kalin literally has the Treasure Coast, especially Vero Beach as her home and her office. Having grown up and educated in Indian River County Nikki works with a deep knowledge to tend Vero Vine with a continual reach into all the communities of the Treasure Coast. She is in the vineyard virtually every day. Following its growth, nurturing start-ups, longtime roots, and branches of businesses, non-profits, municipalities, and everyday people. Nikki makes certain Vero Vine is connected.

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