The City of Vero Beach will extend lifeguard hours during the summer months to 7 p.m. at its three guarded beaches – South Beach, Humiston and Jaycee parks starting Sunday, May 26.
This is welcomed news for the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association who recommended extended lifeguard hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer noting that many people go to the beach at 5 p.m. after getting off work and that sunset is not until 8 or 9 p.m.
Most of the drownings within the city limits have occurred between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., including that of a Vero Beach High School student who drowned near Jaycee Park shortly after 5 p.m. after lifeguards went home for the evening.
The extended summer hours mirror Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, Miami Beach, Lantana and other South Florida municipalities that have extended lifeguard hours either seasonally or year-around.
“The VBLA would like to thank the City of Vero Beach City Council for their proactive approach to public safety,” the organization said in a prepared statement.
To learn more about the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association visit vbla.org for news and statistics from our local beaches.