New lifeguard stands will enhance beach safety

By Bari Auerbach

The Sunny Isles Beach City Commission recently approved a resolution to construct three lifeguard stands slated to be placed at the Ellen Wynne beach access (192nd Street); Samson Oceanfront Park; and the Turnberry South beach access point. According to City Manager Christopher Russo, the existing lifeguard stand at Samson park will be relocated to the Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort beach access point.

"The addition of these new lifeguard stands will provide for strategic placement of lifeguards throughout the city," Russo said. "Because the city will be taking over the lifeguard operations in the city limits [at the end of July], this has necessitated the need for the three additional lifeguard stands along the beach area in the city, as part of our long-range plan for providing this service."

The resolution passed at the July 22 City Commission meeting also approved an agreement between the city and Coastal Contracting and Development, Inc. "piggy-backing" off from a City of Boca Raton bid for construction of the three lifeguard stands in the amount of $150,000.

"In 2002, the City of Boca Raton issued Bid. No. 2002-097 for lifeguard stands for two of its parks," Russo said. "The bid was awarded to Coastal at the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. Staff recommends 'piggy-backing' that bid for the construction and installation of the three new lifeguard stands. Coastal has agreed to undertake this project and has submitted a proposal utilizing the same pricing, terms and conditions as the Boca Raton bid. The purchase price is $50,000 per stand, for a total of $150,000."

Russo also noted the lifeguard stands will be manned and locations were selected based on site visibility issues. "We had discussions with lifeguards regarding where to put the stands.they agreed these points will help ensure they can cover the area and see fully what's going on in the water."




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