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Residents and commissioners push study of rescue rings and drone flotation after drowning; staff to evaluate feasibility
Summary
After a recent drowning, residents urged the commission to consider rescue rings/tubes and drones that carry flotation devices; commissioners requested staff and the fire chief evaluate feasibility, maintenance and funding options including private sponsorships.
Two residents and multiple commissioners pressed the Fernandina Beach City Commission on May 20 to explore measures to improve beach safety following a recent drowning.
Gail Barnwell, speaking during public comment, described a neighborhood group's request to place rescue rings or rescue tubes on public beaches and said other Florida communities have deployed similar devices. She urged public education, fundraising and professional guidance for installation and maintenance and provided examples of successful uses elsewhere.
Bev Lawrence, another resident, asked for volunteers and described work removing invasive Russian thistle at Fort Clinch and other beaches; commissioners and staff tied that effort to broader beach stewardship.
Commissioner Reese (identified in the transcript as the commissioner who moved the consent agenda earlier) and other commissioners thanked the citizens for their research and asked the city manager and fire chief to examine feasibility. Reese said the city should take "a really hard look" at throw rings and other measures, acknowledging concerns about maintenance and the risk of untrained rescuers attempting water rescues. He suggested private sponsorships and nonprofit administration could support a program.
Commissioner Pointer and others raised drone-delivered flotation devices as an additional option; staff confirmed the ocean-rescue unit has a remotely operated drone-capable flotation device for use in severe conditions. Commissioners emphasized that lifeguard staffing and nighttime incidents remain constraints; they asked staff to report back after consultation with ocean-rescue and fire personnel.
