Monte Rio park board flags beach safety after two drownings; seeks county and sheriff coordination

The Monte Rio Recreation and Park District reported two drownings in July — one at Patterson Point in Villa Grande and one at Monte Rio Beach — and said the incidents prompted renewed discussion of beach safety measures. Administrator Marina McTaggart and Park Supervisor Leslie Hofelich said the district will request a meeting with District 5 officials and the Sonoma County Sheriff’s office to explore possible solutions including outreach, enforcement and operational changes.

Staff described multiple contributing concerns: heavy visitor volumes, pop-up tents that obscure lifeguard sightlines, BBQs and alcohol consumption. Marina told the board there is interest in crafting a ‘bring it in — take it out’ public messaging campaign and asked whether District 5 could help amplify that messaging during busy holiday weekends. No new enforcement authority was adopted at the Aug. 12 meeting; the board directed staff to pursue interagency coordination and to return with recommendations.