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YourHub.com \\ Jupiter \\ Stories \\ Sound Off \\ I'm Mad About...

Lifeguard's in PBC to face more cuts.

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Contributed by: William Djubin on 6/9/2009

2 years ago the Ocean Rescue department was forced to remove several towers that line the beaches and inlets in Palm Beach County.
One of the towers sat at Dubois Park in the Jupiter Inlet, it is now forgotten.
I frequently speak with the lifeguards about day-to-day issues and the beaches.
The tower and lifeguards that used to be at Dubois Park helped authorities with public safety, several domestic disputes, public drunkenness, drug activity and immigration smuggling. Yes, they even helped with National Security.

I had a meeting with the director of N. Palm Beach Ocean Rescue and he explained that many of the lifeguards in PBC are EMT's(Paramedic/Emergency Medicine trained).

This past Tuesday the Board of County Commissioners met with the public to decide the fate of more Lifeguard Towers, 2 locations in particular should raise some concern:
Coral Cove Park, Jupiter Island- for its snorkeling and dive activity, rip currents, heavy surf, and Man-o-war outbreaks. The Jupiter Island also has a history of Immigration incidents. I have to ask, why would we remove an EMT with a walkee talkee from this site?
Phil Foster Park, Blue Heron Bridge- I shouldn't have to explain why because it's a no-brainer. Trucks, Cars, Boats, Boaters, Alcohol, Drug Activity, Domestic Disputes and an occasional snorkler or diver. Again, why would we remove an EMT with a walkee talkee from this site?

I strongly believe that the Ocean Rescue department should not face more cuts.
Having on-site Emergency Medicine on our beaches is needed, and tourists appreciate this asset.
See for yourself, approach a tower and talk to one of these modern day heroes, before they become another page in history.

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