TO: Board of County Commissioner
FROM: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
DATE: April 29, 2025
SUBJECT: City of Vero Beach Request for County to Assume Responsibility for Ocean Rescue Operations at City Beach Parks
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
On October 24, 2023, the City of Vero Beach (COVB) and Indian River County held a joint meeting at the Indian River County Main Library to discuss common interest and opportunities. At that time, the City requested consideration by the County to assume ocean rescue operations at City beach parks. The City renewed its request and staff completed a site and staffing assessment to determine the necessary financial impact of assuming City lifeguard operations consistent with Indian River County hours and standards of operation.
ANALYSIS
Prior to 2001, the County and City of Vero Beach cooperatively managed the Indian River County Recreation Department. The services provided residents with ocean rescue services, recreation programming, the management of Leisure Square, and various other recreation related services. In 2001, staffing changes resulted in a split between City and County services with each local government assuming responsibility for their own areas. At that time, the County Recreation Department provided ocean rescue services at five beach parks including Treasure Shores Beach Park, Golden Sands Beach Park, Wabasso Beach Park, Tracking Station Beach Park, and Round Island Oceanside Beach Park. The City managed ocean rescue at Humiston Beach, Jaycee Beach, and South Beach. In 2008, during the economic downturn, the County eliminated ocean rescue coverage at Treasure Shores Beach Park. Since that time, services at that park have not resumed and the beach park remains open, but unguarded.
Currently, Ocean Rescue Division, managed through the Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Department employs a full-time Beach Operations Supervisor, one fu...
Click here for full text