North Collier Fire launches lifeguard program on Vanderbilt Beach

The North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District is launching a permanent beach lifeguard program on Vanderbilt Beach beginning July 1. Firefighters spent Wednesday training in the Gulf, practicing water rescues with paddle boards and other rescue equipment as they prepare for the program's launch.

According to North Collier Fire, there have not been lifeguards on Collier County beaches in decades.

The new program is an extension of an initiative that began last year when North Collier Fire started providing lifeguards at county pools. Officials said the department has been working toward beach lifeguard coverage ever since.

"The idea is to be able to extend the emergency services that we have on dry land into the maritime environment and bring together those two areas," said Tony Camps, assistant chief of special operations.

Vanderbilt Beach was chosen because it falls within North Collier Fire's district and is one of the busiest beach access points in the county.

As part of the program's first phase, North Collier Fire plans to place three lifeguard stands near the Vanderbilt Beach turnaround area.

Initially, one lifeguard will be stationed in a chair while another patrols the beach. The department's beach patrol crews will also continue monitoring the shoreline.

North Collier Fire says beaches will be staffed seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The new service is designed to help responders reach emergencies faster, whether it's a swimmer in distress, a medical emergency, or an encounter with marine life.

Firefighter and lifeguard trainee Dayron Martinez said he immediately volunteered when given the opportunity to participate.

"I wanted to be part of the change," Martinez said. "This is the beach that I grew up on. I want to be one of the pioneers to put this program out and help my community."

The department currently has 93 firefighter-lifeguards, along with 38 part-time civilian lifeguards and eight full-time civilian lifeguards.

While North Collier Fire is not currently hiring, officials said future civilian applicants will be considered. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and the department plans to provide the certification classes required for the position.

Beachgoers say they welcome the added layer of safety.

"If you're out there and your parents can't find you, there's someone that can see you and go help you out," said Ella, a Naples resident visiting Vanderbilt Beach.

North Collier Fire says the program will be the first fire-based lifeguard service on Florida's Gulf Coast south of Sarasota.

Officials said funding for the beach program comes from resources already allocated by the department. North Collier Fire partners with Collier County to provide lifeguards at county pools, but the beach operation is being funded by the fire district.

Chief Victor Ricardo has long wanted to bring lifeguard services to local beaches, according to department leaders. While challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricane seasons delayed those plans, officials say the goal remained the same.