Vanderbilt Beach get added safety with new Naples lifeguard program

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — Lifeguards will be on Vanderbilt Beach as part of a new program starting this weekend.

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The North Collier Fire Department is managing the program, making it the first fire department south of Sarasota to provide this service. The Collier County Board of Commissioners approved the agreement in February.

This marks phase one of the Ocean Rescue Division's presence on Collier beaches. The fire department says it has the staffing to support this kind of presence.

The district currently employs 93 certified lifeguards and 26 part-time lifeguards. Additional lifeguards are actively being hired.

Placing the lifeguards under fire-rescue oversight puts more EMTs and paramedic-level first responders at county facilities. It also adds more prevention education.

Beachgoers can expect to see the lifeguards on the sand keeping them safe during the holiday.