Our Mission:
--> Join the conversation in Vero Beach Foodie and 43,500 very active members right now! <--
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 | 65,656 |
Preventative Actions | 791 |
Minor Medicals | 12 |
Major Medicals | 1 |
Rescues | 0 |
Average Water Temperature | 67 |
Beach Erosion | Moderate |
Stinging Marine Life | Minimal |
General Conditions
Monthly beach attendance was light in January 2020 due to cold days and the beach renourishment project along Central Beach. Despite the cold weather and dune construction, January 2020 almost tied the January attendance record of 65,704 set back in 2019. Lifeguards responded to 13 medical emergencies on the beach with one being a major medical in which the patient had to be transported to the hospital. There were no water rescues in January. Larger swells and strong currents carved out some parts of the dune along the shoreline. Many surfcasting fisherman were posted along the water especially near South Beach Park. The ocean water temperature continued to drop and is now in the mid to upper 60’s.
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 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. We are actively seeking a donor for the project.
Areas of Concern
Recently the City Council approved an ordinance allowing dogs on Sexton Plaza Beach. The VBLA feels this will lead to more dogs outside the dog sanctioned areas, off leashes, more dog waste on the beach and more distractions for lifeguards as dogs will migrate into the guarded areas causing the guards to take their eyes off swimmers as they enforce the dog ordinance.
Whenever beaches are closed due to large surf, sharks or other emergencies, it is strongly advised that the public stay out of the water due to the dangerous conditions or the absence of lifeguards.
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 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.
- Holiday Volunteer Opportunities - November 16, 2021
- Thanksgiving 2021 - November 9, 2021
- Vero Vine Top 9 Produce in Indian River County - October 25, 2021