4/6/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

�J William Cook, Parks Director, addressed the Board and explained his request for additional funds for the 1983 Lifeguard Program, noting that this would be an expansion of the lifeguard program to provide protection at Kiwanis-Hobart Park and Wabasso Beach Park through the summer. This would allow for a full-time guard on a 7 -day a week basis at each location, plus a part-time guard from 12:00-6:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays on a year-round basis, from now until the end of this fiscal year. Additional funds would also provide for a lifeguard being on duty two days a week to allow the lifeguard captain two days off. The lifeguard captain could then be checking the two beaches, responding to emergencies, and allowing relief to the guards on duty. He stressed that lifeguards 'must have some break periods. Mr. Cook reported that'our current lifeguard captain has been training people and described the rigid requirements, which included an advanced lifesaving course, surf rescue, and physical endurance tests. He stressed the importance of starting the part-time guards as soon as possible, but stated the actual summer program begins Memorial Day weekend and ends Labor Day weekend. Considerable discussion took place as to whether the County -should pay the cost of providing lifeguard protection for organized summer activity groups and day camp groups. Commissioner Scurlock felt that the people who are using these services should be paying for them under a fee structure rather than adding these to the ad valorem taxes. Commissioner Lyons felt that when the County has a place -open for swimming activities, adequate lifeguard protection has to be provided, especially during crowded conditions; -but how to pay for it is another matter altogether and he believed these issues should be dealt with separately. 38 53 150 APR 1983