Crime & Public Safety
Collier expands trained lifeguard coverage at Vanderbilt Beach
Vanderbilt Beach now has a staffed lifeguard operation as North Collier Fire Rescue expands ocean-rescue coverage along the Collier County coast. Agency officials described it as the first beach south of Sarasota to provide this level of service.
Four lifeguards are currently assigned at Vanderbilt Beach: two stationed in chairs, one patrolling by four-wheeler and one providing support. Their preparation begins with American Red Cross deep-water rescue training and continues with beach-specific work involving rescue boards, currents, marine hazards and simulated rip-current conditions.
North Collier Fire officials said crews must also be prepared for medical emergencies, missing swimmers, missing children and drownings. Assistant Chief Tony Camps said having personnel already at the beach allows them to respond as soon as a call for help is received.
The district plans to add two more chairs and an ocean-rescue tower. Officials said 11 towers have been permitted for a coverage area extending from the Lee County line to the City of Naples boundary. Lee County officials told the source they had no current plans to establish a similar lifeguard program.
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