North Collier Fire placed its first Vanderbilt Beach lifeguard tower into service before Labor Day weekend
North Collier Fire placed Ocean Rescue Tower 29 into service at Vanderbilt Beach on Friday. The fixed post gives lifeguards a lookout and a communication point for coordinating beach emergencies.
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North Collier Fire placed Ocean Rescue Tower 29 into service at Vanderbilt Beach on Friday, WINK News reporter Maddie Herron reported from the dedication ceremony.
The fixed tower gives lifeguards an elevated lookout and a communication point for coordinating responses by land, water and air. North Collier Fire Public Information Officer Heather Mazurkiewicz told WINK that the tower was entering service before Labor Day weekend.
The district's official equipment page says its beach patrol also uses jet skis, utility vehicles and motorized paddleboards for coastal rescue work. District officials told WINK they are evaluating 11 other locations for similar towers.
North Collier Fire had not posted a separate public release for Friday's dedication when this brief was published.
What the tower changes at Vanderbilt Beach
The tower gives the lifeguard team a permanent position above the beach crowd and a central point for emergency communication. It does not make the Gulf risk free. Beachgoers should continue to follow posted warning flags and lifeguard directions.
Where we read it: Maddie Herron at WINK News. Read their story.
The document: No public filing has been released.
