Brevard County Fire RescueOcean Rescue

Lifeguard Reportfor the period of 2007

IntroductionThis lifeguard study contains information and statistical data drawn from the annualBrevard County Lifeguard reports within a period of five (5) years from 2002 to 2007.Also included are recommendations based on local expertise and professional data fromoutside agencies listed within the report.

Based on statistical evidence in this report , there has been a consistent increase inBrevard County drowning deaths over the past five years . Brevard County had (10)drowning deaths in 2007.

Study Methodology

• Continuous weekly checks throughout the county looking for dangerous conditionsincluding rip currents. The results indicated where rip currents were located and howthese currents changed over a one week period of time.

• Observed attendance of beach goers and swimmers in selected areas.• Corresponded with the five agencies within this report to gather relevant information.• Utilized statistical data for the fiscal year 2007 of incidents and rescues that indicate

where locations of additional resource requirements have been utilized and/or maybe needed.

BackgroundBrevard County has approximately 63 miles of coastline, excluding the CanaveralNational Seashore, visited by approximately four (4) to five (5) million visitors per year.The Brevard County coastline is highly impacted as a result of its active cruise shipindustry, and its close proximity to major central Florida tourist attractions. This highenergy beach is significantly different than beaches on the west coast and panhandle ofFlorida and can be more challenging to inexperienced or tentative swimmers, or thosewith medical conditions.

Current Beach Safety ProgramThe beach can present many dangers to swimmers, including weather related hazardssuch as lightning; sharks and jellyfish; natural hazards such as rocks; other users of thebeach such as fishermen or surfers; and for many visitors to the beach, unfamiliarity withnatural beach phenomenon such as the energy of large waves or rip currents. Althoughstaff is unaware of scientific work done to collaborate the theory, some persons havetheorized that beach renourishment may increase the creation of "rip currents". BrevardCounty Fire Rescue Ocean Rescue staff has noted that recent changes and intensity ofrip currents have appeared to coincide with recent beach renourishment.

In 2003 The Department of Environmental Protection, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration, Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association, and The UnitedStates Lifesaving Association designed a system of flags and Rip Current warning signsby Sea Grant that has been adopted by the State of Florida. All agencies reported thatthey include the State Sea Grant Warning signs and Flag systems to identify all towersand ocean conditions. Described rip current warning signs are posted at all beachaccess areas. (See attachments 1 and 2)

In addition, Brevard County Fire Rescue's Ocean Rescue Chief has developed andpresented the "The Safe Surfer" program. This educational program is presented tosurfing organizations (i.e. The Surfrider Foundation) approximately ten (10) to (12) timesa year. Further, Staff provides a "Rip Current Awareness Course and Poster Contest".This program is provided to elementary school age students on an annual bases, withthe poster contest winners having the opportunity to display their posters at the MerrittSquare Mall. In partnership with Ocean Potion sun care, Staff created a sun care andocean safety pamphlet which was distributed to the hotels, motels and various retail

stores within Brevard County. Further, Staff provides a "Welcome to Brevard" oceansafety one-day seminar to those military personnel newly assigned to Patrick Air ForceBase (PAFB). Several churches, and community services organizations (i.e. Rotary,Kiwanis) are provided beach safety seminars on request. Annually it is estimated thatBrevard County Fire Rescue Ocean Rescue program provides approximately twenty(20) of these types of seminars annually.

Brevard County Fire Ocean Rescue

Personnel:

Currently there are two full-time positions and one hundred (100) temporary (seasonal)assignments distributed for thirteen lifeguard towers. Their function is to provideemergency first responder service to the beach patrons. This service is provided viaseveral actions:

• Iniury prevention by recognizing dangerous conditions within the aquaticenvironment, ranging from natural (i.e. jellyfish, sharks, submerged rocks,underwater terrain anomalies, weather conditions, rip currents) to man-made (i.e.piers, jetty's, renourished beaches, surfers).

• Beach monitoring , lifeguards also by being the "governmental" agency on thebeach become the de facto security and information provider to many of thebeach patrons. Lifeguards also monitor the beaches (pre-water entry detection)for beach patrons that could be come victims.

• Emergency first aid , ranging from minor assistance with cuts, scrapes, sunburn, to administrating oxygen therapy, CPR and application of AutomatedExternal Defibrillators (AEDs).

• In water ocean rescue , meaning the lifeguards monitor the patrons as theyswim, and provides assistance. This action may entail a lifeguard swimming outto a swimmer who may soon be in a situation that may turn life threatening thatthe swimmer has not yet realized, (swimmer assist) to actually taking total controlof the swimmer and removing the swimmer safely from the water.

Inter-agency assistance , lifeguards provide immediate assistance to lawenforcement for various incidents. This type of intervention may range fromlooking for a loss child (occurs nearly on a daily basis), to reporting and passivelymonitoring illegal activity on the beach.

These personnel are required to complete the lifeguard academy provided by BrevardCounty Fire Rescue. The academy is one hundred (100) hours in duration. Thisacademy includes training in:

First Responder (Advanced First Aid)CPR/AEDHazardous Materials AwarenessSearch and Recovery of endangered swimmers /victimsConscious/unconscious in water rescuesTower proceduresAll Terrain Vehicle (ATV) operationJet Ski operationRadio communications ( 800 Mhz)

***Brevard County Fire Rescue Ocean Rescue program exceeds the nationalaccreditation requirements provided by the United States Lifeguard Association

(USLA) relevant to the Brevard County shoreline and has been accreditedannually by the USLA since at least 1994.

Brevard County Fire Rescue Ocean Rescue Program hires approximately one hundred(100) seasonal temporary County employees annually. This hiring process as well asthe employee retention is made difficult due to the "seasonal temporary" status. Sincethe program is not a full-time career, most applicants range in age from 16 to 22. Thehiring process takes approximately three hundred and twenty-five (325) staff hours overfourteen (14) "work days". However as a result of the nature of the seasonal temporaryemployees the actual process takes four (4) to six (6) months to accomplish because thework must be done over weekends and evenings (to accommodate school schedules).Most applicants view the program as a "summer job" in between high school and collegeterms. Beginning in August, staffing towers can become a difficult challenge as a resultof students returning to school/college.

Lifeguard towers and zones:Lifeguard locations are called "Towers". Each tower is given a numerical identificationbeginning at the most northern tower, (Cherie Down Park) as Tower 1 preceding southto Tower 13, (Spessard Holland Park South). Brevard County currently operatesthirteen (13) seasonal lifeguard towers, generally operated from the end of March to theend of October. Coverage begins "Weekends Only" until the conclusion of public school,and then full-time coverage, 7 days per week , from 10 A.M. until 5 P.M. When schoolresumes, coverage returns to "Weekends Only", until the end of October. All of thesetowers are staffed by Brevard County Fire Rescue Ocean Rescue personnel. All towerlifeguard personnel have completed the Ocean Rescue academy provided by theCounty.

Location : Responsible Agency:Zone 1 (Cape Canaveral to Cocoa Beach Pier)

• Cherrie Down Park Brevard County

• Tyler Ave Cape Canaveral City of Cape Canaveral

• Cocoa Beach Pier City of Cocoa Beach/ Private

Zone 2 (Cocoa Beach)• Sheppard Park City of Cocoa Beach

• Fisher Park Cocoa Beach City of Cocoa Beach

Lori Wilson Brevard County

Zone 3 (Indian Harbor Beach to Town of Indialantic)• Paradise/Futch Park Brevard County

• Nance/ Board Walk Town of Indialantic

Zone 4 (Melbourne Beach)• Ocean Ave Melbourne Bch City of Melbourne Beach

• Spessard Holland north Brevard County

• Spessard Holland South Brevard County

***Responsible Agency means that agency that is responsible for the day-to-dayoperation of the "site/park" not the lifeguard program itself.

Lifeguard towers and ocean condition warnings are identified by a state wide sign andcolored flag system. The following information is communicated through the flagsystem, depending on the flag's color exhibit: 2

Red with Prohibited Swimmer Noted: Closed for SwimmingGreen: Low Hazard, Condition CalmYellow: High Hazard, High Surf/Strong CurrentsRed: Medium Hazard, Moderate SurfPurple: Dangerous Marine Life

All towers fly a color coded flag and four parks, (Ocean Ave. in Melbourne Beach,Indialantic Boardwalk, Fisher, and Sheppard Park Cocoa Beach) have a flag pole thatcan be seen from AlA before reaching the beach.

Comparison to other Lifeguard Program/Communities

One of the questions posed by citizens and the media is "How does Brevard Countycompare to other "similar" ocean rescue programs?" The following information isprovided to answer this item.

The five agencies selected for this comparison are similar to Brevard County's LifeguardOperation, in the fact the programs are managed under a fire department, but are strictlylifeguards, (i.e. no law enforcement/firefighter certifications)

Budget:The County operates thirteen (13) seasonal towers on a $643,669 budget. Over the pastfive years the Brevard County Ocean Rescue program has shown a (55%) overallincrease in the operating and capital budget combined. Currently there are two full-timepositions and one hundred temporary (seasonal) assignments distributed for thirteenlifeguard towers. The following agencies demonstrate budget percentages exceedingthat of Brevard County: Delray Beach (117%), Palm Beach (802%), Indian River (54%),Sarasota (273%), and St. Johns County (48%).

County 08 FY Budget Lifeguard HourlyPa Rate

Brevard Count $643,669 $9.46Delra Beach $1,400,000 $1 2.66Palm Beach Count $5,800,000 $18.77Indian River Count $991,000 $12.77Sarasota County $2,400,000 $18.22St. Johns County $956,000 $11.21

Coastline:Brevard County has an approximately 63 miles of coastline, excluding "The CapeCanaveral Seashore." The comparison of the surveyed agencies is as follows: Delray1 mile, Palm Beach 53 miles, Indian River 21 miles, Sarasota 36 miles, and St JohnsCounty 41 miles.

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0Brevard Delray

Coast Line

Palm Indian Sarasota St Johns

D Miles

County Beach Beach River County CountyCounty County

Population and Tourists:Brevard County's citizen population is 534,359 with a tourist population of 4.5 million.The comparison of the surveyed agencies is as follows: Delray 63,321 (citizen)1,229,474 (tourist), Palm Beach 1,274,013 (citizen) 2,909,355 (tourist), Indian River130,100 (citizen) 412,728 (tourist), Sarasota 369,535 (citizen) 4,512,023 (tourist), and StJohns County 169,224 (citizen) 3,411,200 (tourist). In speaking with citizens whilecreating this report, Staff was repeatedly told that citizens do not utilize the beaches.This statement can not be validated, however, the graph below indicates that in a"tourist" type communities there are certainly a greater population of tourist, then that ofthe permanent citizen population. (Citizen Population Information provided via USCensus Webpage "quickfacts")

Population and Tourists

5,000 , 000 T4,500,000 j4,000,000 -1-13,500,000 }3,000,000 j2,500,0002,000,0001,500,0001,000,000

500,0000

Brevard Delray Palm Indian Sarasota St. Johns

0 PopulationM Tourists

County Beach Beach River County CountyCounty County

Number of Lifeguard Towers:

Brevard County has 13 seasonal towers. The comparison of the surveyed agencies isas follows: Delray 8 towers, Palm Beach 14 towers, Indian River 5 towers, Sarasota 12towers, and St Johns County 22 towers. All of these towers are staffed as year-roundtowers, with the exception of St Johns which drops from 22 towers to 6 year-roundtowers during the "winter" months.

Lifeguard Towers

25

20

15

10

5

0

O Towers

Brevard Delray Palm Indian SarasotaSt. JohnsCounty Beach Beach River County County

County County

Drownings:According to the United States Life Saving Association (USLA), Brevard had 22drowning deaths in the past five years. The comparison of drownings of the surveyedagencies is as follows: Delray 1, Palm Beach County 9, Indian River County 0, SarasotaCounty 1, and St. Johns County 2. Of the ten Brevard County deaths in 2007, theprimary cause of deaths was drowning. According to the Brevard County MedicalExaminers office, Dr. Sajid Qaiser, Interim Medical Examiner for the 18th District Office,there may have been some contributory factors to drowning, i.e., hypertension, coronaryartery disease, alcohol intoxication, etc. It is impossible for the Medical Examiner'sOffice to determine if the decedents would not have drown if they did not have anycontributory factors.

5 Year Drowning Comparison

25

20

15

10

5

0

0 Drownings

Brevard Delray Palm Indian SarasotaSt. JohnsCounty Beach Beach River County County

County County

Cause of Drowning Trend

There is an annual trend of increased drownings (see chart below). The possible factorswhich may be influencing this trend are increased tourism, and increased rip currentactivity and severity.

Five Year Drowning Data

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

El Drowning Deaths

Day and Overnight Visitors

5,000,0004,900,0004,800,0004,700,0004,600,0004,500,0004,400,0004,300,0004,200,0004,100,000

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

m Day & OvernightVisitors

Tourism data was provided by the Brevard County Tourism Development Council (TDC).According to the Office of Tourism statistics in 2002 the combined day and overnightvisitor annual population was 4.4 million and in 2007 the combined day and overnightvisitor annual population was 5 million. This shows a 13.6% increase in day andovernight visitor population over the past five years.

All of the 2007 ocean drownings have occurred in unguarded areas, either because ofthe off-season , or being outside of lifeguard protected areas.

Possible Program Changes

Currently, there are several possible methods for improving ocean safety. Thesemethods are as follows:

Additional educational /outreach efforts - As noted earlier in this document BrevardCounty currently leads this State of Florida in its outreach programs to the surfingcommunity, hotel/motels, and area public elementary schools. Brevard County FireRescue is in the process of developing a bilingual Public Service Announcement (PSA)which can be viewed via the Space Coast Government Television Channel, as well asprovided to the hotels and hotels to play on their closed circuit televisions.

Additional seasonal towers - Generally operated from the end of March to the end ofOctober. Coverage begins "Weekends Only" until the conclusion of public school, andthen full-time coverage, 7 days per week, from 10 A.M. until 5 P.M. When schoolresumes, coverage returns to "Weekends Only", until the end of October. Staffingresources continue to be provided by persons sixteen (16) years and older who are part-ti me, seasonal/temporary employees.

Year Round Towers - Coverage is provided three hundred sixty-five days a year,including holidays, for eight (8) hours per day. Minimum Job requirements: 18 years ofage, and must be Emergency Medical Technician Certified (EMT).

Combination Year-round /Seasonal- Hybrid -This program methodology provides bothseasonal and year-round service. Some towers are operated only at specific sitesduring peak User times still, (as outlined above under "additional seasonal tower")utilizing temporary seasonal personnel. While a few other towers are operated threehundred sixty-five (365) days a year including holidays, by career personnel with "year-round" job descriptions.

Funding Possibilities

All of the program changes, with the exception of the PSA will result in an increase to theOcean Rescue program. This increase can be funded via:

I ncrease the General Fund or create a lifeguard MSTU:

Pros• Would establish a funding source unaffected by the amount of visitors to the

beachesCons

• Property tax reform may limit the amount of revenue that can be committed tothis project.

• May be viewed by some citizens that the service is being provided free to thevisitors of Brevard County who may be the primary beneficiaries of the service.

Provide a fee for beach parking or park access:

Pros• Places the cost of the program onto the users of the service

Cons• An established funding source which can be affected by the amount of visitors to

the beaches• May result in negative press for the tourism industry

Special tourist fee attached to hotel/motel room:

Pros• Places the cost of the program onto the perceived users of the service

Cons• May result in negative press for the tourism industry

References

Brevard County Finance Office, Fiscal Budget - Program Costs 2007Brevard County Ocean Rescue, Daily Reports, 2007.Florida Beach Patrol Chief's Association, Agency Salary Study 2007.Office of the Brevard County Medical Examiner. Cases of drowning deaths, 2007.Tourist Development Council, Brevard County Beach Attendance, 2007.United States Life Saving Association, Agency Statistics, 2002 - 07.www.DelaryBeach.fl.comhttp://indian-river.fl.ushttp://quickfacts.census.gov

Attachment 1

RIP CURRENTSBreak the Grip of the Rip!

Rip currents arc powcrfid currentsThey Can sweep even the strongest swern.

♦ Don't fight the current• Swim out of the current , then to shore♦ If you can't escape , float or tread water♦ It you need help, call or wave for assistance

More information about ripcurrents can be found at thefollowing web sites:

www.ripcurrents .noam.govwww.usla_org

n

Attachment 2

BEACH WARN I NG FLAGSBANDERAS DE ADVERTENCIA EN LA PLAYA

100.0.0 Water Closed to PublicAgua Cerrada al Publico

High Hazard

`rfc r,

High Surf and/or Strong CurrentsPeligro Alto, ResacaAlta y/o Corrientes Fuertes

Medium HazardModerate Surf and/or CurrentsPeligro Medic, Resaca Moderada y/o Corrientes Fuertes

Q

Low HazardCalm Conditions, Exercise CautionPeligro Bajo , Condiciones Calmas, Tenga Cuidado

Dangerous Marine LifeVida Marina Peligrosa

Absence of Flags Does Not Assure Safe WatersLa Ausencia de Banderas No Asegura Aguas Seguras

A Drowning Death Review

A) A "Called" drowning victim is managed as a crime scene. The victim is normallytransported to the medical examiner's office. An autopsy is completed and a probablecause of death is established.B) A "Drowning Victim" who has the ability to be resuscitated is managed as anemergency medical incident. The patient is transported via an ambulance (BrevardCounty Fire Rescue Unit) to a hospital emergency room. If the patient is not revived atthe emergency room the victim is then transported to the medical examiner as noted in"A" above.

All drownings are investigated by either the Chief Lifeguard or Assistant Chief Lifeguard.The investigation includes:

• Establish location of belongings/vehicle to help establish victim identification

• Question bystanders/family/friends

• Determine status of residence for statistical data

• Assist Local Law Enforcement as needed

YEAR ROUND - Redistribute and increase the current number of towers from thirteen tosixteen and extend service to year roundPros

• Career minded employees providing a stable workforce• Provide greater lifeguard protection via a workforce which has a higher level of training• Reduce minor service calls for Fire and Police• Provide better coverage by targeting specific locations which draw beach patrons

Cons• Current facilities could not handle equipment increase• Increased equipment and personnel cost• Relocation of Tyler and Fisher towers may be perceived as a loss of service

16 TOW

Towers - chairsEnclosed TowersLifeguard StationCost per towerFT EmpFTE - Temps

RevenueLess 5%CitiesGeneral FundFire Transfer

Total Revenue

GF MillageInc (Dec) millage GF

ExpensesSalaries & BenefitsOperating ExpensesCapital OutlayCIPReserves

Total ExpensesCurrent Budget<$643,669>

CENARIO 2

ERS YEAR ROUND

FY 08 -09 FY 09-10

0

161

$395,15856

0

($98,790)$1,975,790$4,445,527

$0

$6,322,527

0.109070.10526

$2,151,085$261,442

$1,310,000$2,600,000

$0$6,322,527

$5,678,858

0161

$188,03356

0

($46,780)$935,596

$2,119,712$0

$3,008,528

0.05201(0.05706)

$2,237,129$271,899$426,400

$0$0

$2,935,428

Combination Year-round/Seasonal - Hybrid-providing year round service at threecurrent county locations (Lori Wilson, Paradise/Futch and Spessard Holland South) andincrease the current number of seasonal towers to twenty-three.

HYBRIDPros

• Provide professional management for seasonal staff• Improve current continuous training• Expand and extend protection by providing some year-round service and additional

seven (7) towersCons

• Current facilities could not handle equipment increase• Increased equipment and personnel costs• Increased need for part-time seasonal temporary employees

SCENARIO 3

Hybrid - 3 ENC YR + 20 TOWERS MARCH - OCT

FY 08-09 1 FY 09-10

Towers - chairs 20 20Enclosed Towers 3 3Lifeguard Station 1 1Cost per tower $198,651 $77,292FT Emp 8 8FTE -Temps 36.37 36.37

RevenueLess 5% ($84,426) ($32,849)Cities $1,688,530 $656,984General Fund $2,964,860 $1,153,587Fire Transfer $0 $0Total Revenue $4,568,963 $1,777,722

GF Millage 0.07274 0.02830Inc (Dec) millageGF 0.06894 (0.04444)

ExpensesSalaries &Benefits $1,191,302 $1,238,954OperatingExpenses $182,161 $189,448Capital Outlay $595,500 $349,320CIP $2,600,000 $0Reserves $0 $0Total Expenses $4,568,963 $1,777,722Current Budget

<$643,669> $3,925,294

ADDITIONAL SEASONAL TOWERS - Add 34 Towers - Total 47 TowersPros

• This improvement would expand coverage and increase the number of guardedlocations, allowing more convenient availability

• Reduce response time to near drowningsCons

• No protection during winter• Additional part-time seasonal staff will be needed exacerbating the staff

recruitment and retention issues currently being experienced by management.• Current facilities could not handle the equipment increase

S

47 TOW

Towers - chairsEnclosed TowersLifeguard StationCost per towerFT EmpFTE - Temps

4701

$109,6872

38.87

RevenueLess 5% ($85,007)Cities $1,700,149General Fund $3,540,148Fire Transfer $0

Total Revenue $5,155,289

GF Millage 0.08685Inc (Dec) millage GF 0.08305

ExpensesSalaries & Benefits $1,783,362Operating Expenses $236,427Capital Outlay $535,500CIP $2,600,000Reserves $0

Total Expenses $5, 155,289Current Budget

<$643,669> $4,511,620

CENARIO 1

=RS MARCH - OCT

FY 08 -09 1 FY 09-10

4701

$45,9772

38.87

($35,632)$712,637

$1,483,894$0

$2,160,900

0.03641(0.05045)

$1,854,696$245,884$60,320

$0

$0

$2, 1 60,900

Staff Recommendation

Year Round Towers -increase the current number of towers from thirteen (13) tosixteen (16) and extend service to year round. Coverage involves three hundred sixty-five (365) days per year, including holidays, for eight (8) hours per day. Minimum Jobrequirements: 18 years of age, and must be Emergency Medical Technician Certified(EMT).

Proposed Locations: Responsible Agency:Zone 1 (Cape Canaveral to Cocoa Beach Pier)

• Cherrie Down Park Brevard County

• Cocoa Beach Pier City of Cocoa Beach/ Private

Zone 2 (Cocoa Beach)• Sheppard Park (two towers) City of Cocoa Beach

• Hilton Private - Cocoa Beach

• Lori Wilson Brevard County

• Holiday Private - Cocoa Beach

• Ocean Landings Private - Cocoa Beach

• Coconuts Private - Cocoa Beach

• Murski Brevard County

Zone 3 (Indian Harbor Beach to Town of Indialantic)• Paradise/Futch Park Brevard County

• Nance/ Board Walk (two towers) Town of Indialantic

Zone 4 (Melbourne Beach)• Ocean Ave Melbourne Bch City of Melbourne Beach

• Spessard Holland north Brevard County

• Spessard Holland South Brevard County

***Responsible Agency means that agency that is responsible for the day-to-dayoperation of the "site/park" not the lifeguard program itself.

This plan redistributes existing assets, and adds three (3) additional towers. In this proposedredistribution, Tyler and Fisher towers would be eliminated.

Staff recommends this action based on the number of beach patrons at the current sites,compared to the beach patrons (and thereby the potential for ocean emergencies) of therecommended new sites. Further, the year round program will provide additional locations ofguarded beaches, providing a better opportunity for visitors to find a convenient location to safelyexperience Brevard's beaches. Finally, the Ocean Rescue program would be able to offer a truecareer to potential employees, thereby maximizing the human resources potential, and improvingthe efficiency of recruitment, retention, staffing and continuing education.

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Saute I; StallCorrection.

Lifeguard may have saved man

By DONNA BALANCIAFLORIDA TODAY

On Monday, ,',hers Fred Hunt of Maine drowned whsle trying I. rescue a woman stuck in a rip current in Cocoa Beach, there were no lifeguards onduty.

That's because Brevard County's lifeguards are temporary staffers who work only on weekends at this time of the year

If there had been someone working in [tie tower at Lori W llson Park, there `s a good chance the fatal incident may have been prevented, officialssaid

That day, Hunt and another passer-by, Jeremy Stanford attempted to save Canadian author Maureen Jennings. Stanford helped case Jennings,but Hunt died.

The incident occurred a few hundred yards south of the lifeguard tower, where It could nave been seen if someone had been on duty, said WyattWernetn, ocean lifeguard coordinator for Breve rd.

In Brevard, 100 temporary lifeguards are hired for spring break.

From spring break until local schools are dismissed for surd mer vacation, lifeguards work only on weekends, according to Brevard County Fire-Rescue.

Lfter school gets out for the summer, Prevard's li feguards - most of whom are high school students - work seven days a week.

v/ben school Stare, in late August, the lifeguards go back to working weekends, white some leave for college.

Then, after Labor Day, the t3 county- and city-operated life-

guard Lowers are scaled back to six because the city contracts expire atthattime -

The Melbourne beach tower continues to operate. along with the Cherie Down, Futch-

Paradise, Lori Wilson, North Spessard and South Spessard Lovers- But those are closed after the last weekend or October, and no lifeguards are onduty until the cycle begins again the next spring.

Some of the 13 sites are funded solely by the county, others by a combination of the county and e municipality.

Three other lifeguard sites in Brevard are operated by other entitles-

-avacf ealancia at 342-3647 or obalanoa;aflondatoOay.com

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Section: LOCAUSTATEPage: 601Source: StaffCorrection:

Swimmer drowns at the beach

Officials urge extreme caution

KAUSTUV BASU

Florida Today

HE M 0

The rough waters pounding Brevard County beaches lately claimed a victim Saturday afternoon when a 40-year-old Kissimmee mandrowned north of the Cocoa Beach Prof.

Page 1 of 2

User Functions

M

'Bystanders helped pull him out," said Deputy Fire Chief 6.C. Wine of the Cocoa Beach Fire Department. He was in cardiac arrest bythen."

The man, identified as Rafael Carter was swimming with his family, Wine said. He was pronounced dead about 5:30 p.m. at CapeCanaveral Hospital.

Wine said that his department had received several calls Saturday for people in distress in the water but they either managed to sw lmto safety or were helped by people on the beach.

The high surf should ebb today, but the rip currents will not , keeping danger high for swimmers and surfers , the National WeatherService said.

The surf will look more inviting, but the threat of rip currents will increase over the next two days," said Scott Kelly, a forecaster atthe Melbourne office.

"People should try their best to stay out of the water," he said.

Officials warned swimmers to stay in shallow waters and near lifeguards.

High onshore winds will continue blowing at speeds of 15 mph to 20 mph with occasional gusts near 25 mph.

Rain chances are minimal but isolated, and brief coastal showers are likely

They may pop up anytime," Kelly said.

A small craft advisory is expected to expire at 10 a.mn today.

But boating conditions will be far from be ideal,' Kelly said.

No red flag warnings for brush fires were expected for the Space Coast because the humidity will stay elevated.

High temperatures will be in the lower 80s today.

Contact Basu at 242 -3724 or kbasu @Boridatoday.com.

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