Really? I do hope to get
some people together even if it's a small group. Here's the email I received from Chief Talbert and i'm posting with his permission: Thanks to all.
Kelly,
Thank you again for interest in further educating beachgoers on the beach flags and rip currents. Your idea is a good one and from my perspective may not cost anything additional other than a commitment of time from you and other volunteers.
Currently our lifeguards in conjunction with the TDC distribute a couple of different brochures and information that provide an explanation of the flag system, the ?7 tips? for family beach safety and other frequently asked questions. The lifeguards at our eight public beach accesses not only guard and patrol their locations they also employ what we call public contacts and preventative measures, meaning, they take the time to interface directly with beach goers, distribute brochures along the way and intervene where they can in a proactive way to point out hazards and danger. With twenty-six miles of beach in South Walton obviously they cannot contact everyone.
A simple grassroots effort may be an additional tool to help us all make everyone?s visit to our beaches a safe and memorable one. I am willing to facilitate a meeting location and obtain the brochures if you are still willing to organize such an effort.
Making everyone?s visit to our beaches a safe one is a collective responsibility between public safety (SWFD/WCSO) our citizens and our visitors. You are probably already aware that this issue is not just focused on our visitors, our residents don?t always set a good example and at times need to be reminded of the hazards that may exist.
Thank you again for taking the time to contemplate how you can help us prevent a tragedy from occurring and making our beaches safer.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Rick Talbert, CFO
Fire Chief/Administrator
South Walton FIRE DISTRICT
850-267-1298
SWFD - HOME
"Prompt, Competent, Caring Response in Time of Need"