Flotation ring stations installed in Flagler Beach
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. — As the weather gets hotter, people will be heading to the beach to catch some waves and sun rays.
In Flagler County, the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach installed 10 safety stations as part of its Drown Zero Initiative.
Each station has a lifesaving flotation ring.
These stations are important because Flagler Beach is lifeguard protected seasonally, and they don’t go on duty until the summer.
These devices were installed in case anyone needs to save a life if they see someone struggling in the water.
“We hope they don’t have to save any. But if they save one life, it’s worth the effort,” said Rotary Club member Art MacQueen.
MacQueen was inspired to bring the stations to Flagler Beach after spotting them in Brevard County.
“This was an inexpensive fix to a potential problem,” he said.
The 10 stations, all equipped with flotation devices, are located along the south and north side of the beach, and are spaced about a block a part.
“The Surf Federation sponsored these, so the first 10, a city that signs up, gets for free,” MacQueen said. “And then to expand the program we have to buy more.”
Tom Gillin, director of ocean rescue for the city of Flagler Beach, said the devices will come in handy.
“We have lifeguard protection just at the start of the beginning of May, but we are doing weekends only until Memorial Day weekend before we’re going seven days a week protection,” he said. “So, it’s great to have this extra degree of protection.”
Spectrum News 13 spoke to some members of the Flagler Beach Fire Department who have experience with water rescues.
“I can remember multiple rescues where I’m not even on duty anymore and I’m walking down the boardwalk and I see someone get stuck in the pier,” said department employee Christian Carre. “I jump in, pull them out, so to have that availability to have a rescue device that can be deployed when we don’t have water rescue professionals here is a great tool to use.”
Carre’s coworkers agree that the stations are invaluable.
“It’s very colorful, that’s why I’m very happy these are getting put in throughout the whole pier and boardwalk,” said Bruce Adams.
The device also lists the street address, so if someone needs to call 911, they can tell dispatchers where the emergency is taking place.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a floatation station can visit the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach’s website.