Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Monthly Beach Report – August 2017

Monthly Beach Report – August 2017

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

Email:  VeroBeachLA@Yahoo.com  

Website:  www.VBLA.org

 

STATISTICS

Total Park Attendance                    60031

Preventative Actions                        1168

Minor Medicals                                       43

Major Medicals                                       2

Rescues                                                         3

Average Water Temperature   80

Beach Erosion                                         Minimal

Stinging Marine Life                          Moderate

 

General Conditions

 

Light winds and sunny skies attracted many people to the beach even though August is a slower time of year.  Baitfish continued to increase in numbers as the month progressed.  Sea turtle nesting was very active while hatchlings emerged in larger numbers.  Attendance at the City beach parks was lower than in July as expected.  Patrons seem to be spreading out, away from the guarded areas, filling in the areas between South, Humiston and JC beach parks most likely due to parking issues.  Lifeguards had 3 water rescues in August bringing the total number of swimmers rescued from rip currents in 2017 to 15.  Many dog owners continue to bring their dogs to the beach parks which are violations of City ordinances.  All swimmers are advised to pay close attention to beach condition signs and flags, swim near lifeguard towers and avoid swimming during non-guarded beach hours.

 

Areas of Progress

 

The Vero Beach police department has started patrolling the beach.  Police and lifeguards are working together more frequently when water related events occur.  Police dispatch has been notifying the lifeguards of potential problems when the emergency is within the lifeguards’ ability to effectively respond. Vero Beach City Council continued to support funding for lifeguards for the upcoming budget year.  VBLA produced a beach safety video to educate the public.  The video can be seen on COVB.org, VBLA.org and at most beachside hotels.  VBLA hopes that more people will take the time to watch the video and education themselves prior to coming to the beach.     

 

Areas of Concern

 

Lifeguards are only able to oversee approximately 1,200 yards of the 4 miles of beach within the City limits.  Beach patrons seem to be filling in the unguarded areas between South, Humiston and JC Parks.  Dog owners continue to ignore City ordinances by bringing their dogs to City beach parks.  Many individuals and families are on the beach far from a guarded area and/or in the water after lifeguards leave at 5pm. VBLA recommends that the City of Vero Beach recognize the essential public safety role lifeguards have in protecting the public by extending lifeguard hours to 7pm to address this safety issue.  The following is a list of communities who have extended lifeguards hours to better protect the public:

 

Boca Raton

Clearwater Beach

Delray Beach

Fort Lauderdale

Hallandale

Hollywood

Manatee County

City of Miami

Miami-Dade County

Pompano Beach

Escambia County

Sarasota County

 

    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.

Nancilee Wydra
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