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Commissioners debate lifeguard coverage after staff flags insurance, staffing and risk
Summary
Staff presented three lifeguard coverage options — status quo seasonal, year‑round at all county beaches, or year‑round at Fort De Soto only — and said insurers will not allow 16‑year‑olds to drive program vehicles; commissioners asked staff to explore hybrid models, partnerships and recruitment options.
County staff outlined lifeguard staffing challenges and three coverage scenarios for county beaches. Paul Causey, Parks and Conservation Resources director, and Spencer Curtis, aquatics staff, said recent season shift coverage averaged about 45% of available shifts and that risk management advised insurers will not insure 16‑year‑olds to drive vehicles used in the program.
"When we came and spoke with you all about a year ago on this, that year's numbers, we were at about a 45% coverage," said Spencer Curtis. Commissioners discussed prioritizing Fort De Soto because of distance to first responders and higher year‑round visitation, concerns about unpredictability at Sand Key, and possible partnerships with adjacent cities or fire departments to create more reliable year‑round coverage.
Staff estimated that a part‑time enhanced model for Sand Key could cost roughly $175,000 while a full year‑round program at Fort De Soto would require multiple full‑time positions. Commissioners asked staff to return in October with hybrid options, recruitment outreach plans (including colleges and fire‑department partnerships), and cost estimates for contracting alternatives.
