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Hollywood honors lifeguard who rescued five and rolls out QR-code beach-safety info
Summary
Fire Chief James Russo honored a marine safety officer Aug. 28 for rescuing five people in a rip current and described a new QR-code system on lifeguard stands linked to NWS/NOAA data and Beach Safety software to provide near-real-time beach-condition information.
During a presentation to the City Commission, Fire Chief James Russo recognized a Marine Safety Officer who rescued five young men from a rip current near Tyler Street on April 27. "MSO So to saved the lives of 5 people under extraordinary conditions and circumstances," Russo said, describing how the officer entered the ocean with minimal equipment, secured all five victims and directed stronger swimmers back to shore while towing others to safety.
Russo asked the commission to note that the department had been working on a technology solution to provide after-hours hazard information. He described a QR-code program that will be posted at lifeguard stands and some anchor hotels; the QR codes are tied to Beach Safety software and National Weather Service/NOAA data to show tide, rip-current risk and spot maps of hazards. "We're just moving in a direction where they can get some real time data, and we can update that with specific conditions," Russo said.
Mayor Levy thanked the department and noted Hollywood’s extensive lifeguard coverage compared with other municipalities in Florida. Commissioners and staff said the QR-code approach provides an after-hours information option for beachgoers and complements the city’s staffed lifeguard towers.
The presentation concluded with a photo recognition of the award recipient; no formal vote was required. City staff said the QR codes and integrated feed are already in place at towers and that the city will continue public outreach about beach-safety resources.
