Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Monthly Beach Report For January 2020 - Vero Vine

Our Mission:

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

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.

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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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