Leading up to summer, the VBLA will be going to all the elementary schools here in Indian River County to inform the community kids about rip currents, man o’ wars and the numerous other hazards encountered at the beach. Having knowledge of these dangers can mean the difference between life and death. Read more →
Category: VBLA
VERO BEACH The Vero Beach Quilt Guild, a non profit organization, has a tradition of generosity & support for many non-profit organizations in Indian River County.
The VBQG was able to host this year, its delayed 2021 Quilt Show in January 2022 at the Indian River Fairgrounds that generated Dollars to give back to the Indian River Community. In the past, the Vero Beach Quilt Show has benefitted: In 2019, For the Love of Paws in Fellsmere In 2017, The Veterans Council In 2015, Mended Hearts… Read more →
Jiu Jitsu Association Donates Rescue Board
Renato Tavares has generously donated a rescue board to further aid the lifeguards with rescues. It is important that the equipment the lifeguards use be in working order. Over time, wear and tear of the equipment is going to happen. With kind and generous community members like Renato, our lifeguards can continue providing quick and effective responses to swimmers in… Read more →
Vero Beach Lifeguard Association and Youth Sailing Foundation Collaborate on Catamaran Sailing
Vero Beach Lifeguard Association (VBLA) and Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF) are collaborating to bring the fun and joy of sailing to beginner sailors abroad VBLA’s sixteen-foot Hobie Getaway.  The boat was in storage at YSF when VBLA’s Erik Toomsoo suggested YSF put the boat into commission and utilize it for familiarization and fun sails for beginner sailors.   With its heavy simple construction, wide trampoline,… Read more →
79 Year Old Retired Bus Driver Receives Lifeguard Award
Gloria Shipley, a 79 year old retired bus driver from Pennsylvania who moved to Indian River County in 2016 has been supplying the City of Vero Beach lifeguards stationed at Humiston Park with protein bars and other healthy snacks since 2017.  “How often does someone say thank you to our first responders on the beach? I cannot image being responsible… Read more →
Skim USA Tour athletes set to slide back into action after year’s long flat spell
VERO BEACH, FLA. – The 2021 Skim USA Skimboarding Tour is on after taking a break from competition in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional and amateur skimboarders will look to get back into form during the Inaugural Shore lb. Throwdown at Mulligan’s Beach House in Vero Beach next month. As first stop of Skim USA’s six-contest tour of the… Read more →
VBLA partners with the Humane Society for “Better than a smooch, help rescue a pooch”
Vero Surgeon, Lifeguard Legend Donates Surf Ski to VBLA
Vero Beach resident, orthopedic surgeon and former lifeguard donated a high performance surf ski to the Vero Beach Lifeguard Association. Dr. Peter Wernicki was a lifeguard at the New Jersey shore for eight years before starting his medical career. He was the Medical Advisor for the United States Lifesaving Association, knighted by the International Lifesaving Federation and was the Aquatics… Read more →
Vero Beach Lifeguard Association Receives a Grant from the Indian River Community Foundation
VBLA’s mission to promote lifeguarding and water safety in Vero Beach and the surrounding communities just got a little easier after receiving a $6,500 grant from the Indian River Community Foundation. Our city’s lifeguards have a tough job keeping the public safe on the beach. ATVs are an essential part of their equipment needs. We like to thank the Indian… Read more →
VBLA Keeper of the Coin Beach Safety Award Winners for the 3rd Quarter 2020
On a busy July 4th 2020 weekend at South Beach Park in Vero Beach, City of Vero Beach lifeguards Shaun Dibble and Colter Hanawalt were on duty. Shaun noticed a lady snorkeling while using an underwater scooter device which was propelling her along the surface of the water when the lady abruptly let go of the device. Quickly noticing the… Read more →