Beachgoers are starting to see a new addition as they walk onto their favorite island beach – a Drown Zero post holding a bright-orange flotation ring to toss to a swimmer in distress.
The Board of County Commissioners recently approved an agreement with the Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation to place Drown Zero posts on beaches and waterways throughout the county.
The flotation rings can be used if the beach or waterway is unguarded or the lifeguard is off duty.
Retired lifeguard and Cocoa Beach resident Wyatt Werneth started Drown Zero.
“Flotation saves lives and that’s what we’re providing here,” said Werneth. Brevard County is on track to have all 210 beaches covered this year. “We want to take it all over the world,” he said.
Beaches currently slated for the initial 11 Indian River stations include Ambersand, Treasure Shores, Golden Sands, Wabasso Beach Park, Seagrape Trail, Turtle Trail, Tracking Station Beach, and Round Island Park and Riverside Park. Stations have also been placed at several Vero Beach parks.
“This is a program that is so amazing and has no cost to the government at all,” said JustinLefebure, Sunrise Rotary Club current past president. “It’s a win, win. If you have a flotation device you will make it.”
The Sunrise Foundation is reaching out to condo associations and hotels looking for sponsors for the stations. Each station costs $500 with $125 of the total for the flotation ring itself. The Rotary will use all-terrain vehicles to access the beach for station maintenance. According to Lefebure, the goal is to have 100 stations countywide.
“I think it’s a great way to save lives. Lifeguards do their job but when they go home at 5 o’clock there are still people on the beach,” said Debbie Avery, executive secretary of the Sunrise Foundation.
The stations are not meant to replace lifeguards. Drown Zero signs also offer instructions including a message to always swim near a lifeguard and to “Throw … Don’t Go.”
Photos by Joshua Kodis
