Monthly Beach Report – July 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 84514
Preventative Actions 1360
Minor Medicals 45
Major Medicals 10
Rescues 5
Average Water Temperature 80
Beach Erosion Minimal
Stinging Marine Life Moderate
General Conditions
Light winds have improved water clarity resulting in “top to bottom” visibility on most days just in time for lobster mini season. Lobster mini season brought out scores of divers during the two day event. Sea turtle nesting was very active while hatchlings have begun to emerge in larger numbers. Pods of mullet have begun to appear. Larger fish such as jack, tarpon and sharks are attracted to the mullet and can be seen feeding on the pods. Improved water conditions allowed greater opportunities for snorkeling, diving, paddle boarding and kayaking. Attendance at the City beach parks reached a new July record of over 84,000 breaking the previous record set in 2012 of 81,000. In just the past few weeks, Jetsetter.com, ABC news and Conde Nast Traveller rated Vero Beach as a top beach destination in Florida. 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 were very busy with 5 water rescue in July bringing the total number of swimmers rescued from rip currents in 2017 to 12. Hot temperatures have resulted in numerous heat-related injuries. 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. The police presence should curtail some illegal activities on the beach and provide welcomed support to the lifeguards. 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.
N.L. Goodman is the name she uses for her rhymes and Thesderina McGurglestein is used for her free children's website atwordwarrirokids.net and children’s books.
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