VERO BEACH — The Sunrise Rotary Club of Vero Beach presented its Annual “First Responders Award” to the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association, represented by president Erik Toomsoo and five lifeguards attending the Feb. 28 breakfast meeting. Rather than select one individual or incident as the basis for the award, Erik requested that the nearly 20 active lifeguards share the recognition, as protecting beach users is a team effort.
The group was given the third quarter of an original oil painting by local artist Mary Parks depicting the hazards our tropical community faces every day. Previous precipitants include law enforcement and fire firefighters, which when combined with next year’s EMS awardee will complete the painting.
The entire lifeguard squad will also be given “Josh the Otter” shirts in conjunction with all area Rotary Clubs’ support of the international child water safety program.
For more information on Sunrise Rotary visit www.sunriserotaryverobeach.org or stop by the Vista Royale Grille on the Green any Wednesday at 7 a.m