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For many years, the lifeguard stands along Florida’s Space Coast have been iconic markers of safety for tourists and locals alike. However, this season presents a stark contrast, with numerous stands left unattended as Brevard County is urgently seeking to fill 45 essential positions. This shortage has already had devastating consequences, with two individuals tragically losing their lives while attempting to save a child caught in a dangerous rip current.
“We’re working with the resources available to us,” stated Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief Eisen Witcher. “We assess risks as thoroughly as possible. While we strive to be there when needed, it’s simply not feasible to cover every moment.”
This past Wednesday, emergency services were summoned to Cocoa Beach, a popular destination, following reports of four individuals in distress in the water. Among them were a 42-year-old man from Connecticut and a 34-year-old woman from Ohio. Despite being rushed to the hospital, both succumbed to their injuries.
The adults, whose identities have not been disclosed, entered the water in an attempt to rescue a child. While the relationship between the adults and the child was initially unclear, it was later reported by Florida Today that the woman was the child’s stepmother, and the man was a bystander who tried to help. Thankfully, the child survived the incident.
The tragic events highlight the urgent need for more lifeguards, as the absence of sufficient personnel can have dire consequences. As the county continues to address the shortage, the community remains on edge, hoping to prevent further tragedies.
Witcher said that the area where the rip current claimed the lives of two adults was not being guarded with lifeguards.
He said that they’ve been experiencing high surf, with waves from 6-8 feet tall.
“Conditions are starting to subside, making the ocean a lot more calm or appearing to look more calm. But those surf conditions have caused significant damage to the sandbars causing flash rip currents,” Witcher said.
An aerial view of beachgoers near the pier on July 29, 2023, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. (Paul Hennesy/Anadolu Agency)
According to the National Weather Center, the Florida coast – from south of Palm Coast to Miami – is identified as a high risk for rip currents.
“It’s very fast, it’s very unexpected, and you can lose your footing very quickly. We watch, we try to prevent that as much as we possibly can in our life-guarded areas. Outside of a life-guarded area, it’s very difficult for people from out of town or tourists to know or understand or what to do,” Witcher said.
Two people died in rip currents in Brevard County, Florida. (Getty Images)
The chief said that the nearest lifeguard was 3/4 of a mile away at the time of the emergency.
“Right now, we are actively recruiting for more lifeguards. We have been for the better part of two or three months now,” Witcher said, explaining that they have a tryout this weekend. “We’d like to see at least 45 more [lifeguards].
In situations where there is no nearby lifeguard, calling 911 is your best bet, he said.
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