167-2001 LTC
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 1((;7" ~I
m
To:
Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin
and Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez~ ^ [,~
City Manager t.I v 0
LIFEGUARD ST UCK BY LIGHTNING
Date: July 17, 2001
From:
Subject:
The purpose of this LTC is to provide the Commission with an update regarding the City of
Miami Beach Lifeguard who was struck by lightning on Sunday, July 15, 2001, at
approximately 1 :00 P.M,
Lifeguard I Cayetano Garcia (a fulltime Patrol member who began work in April of 1999)
was working at the 35th Street Beach Tower when the tower he was in was struck by
lightning. Prior to the lightning strike Lifeguard I Garcia had noted deteriorating weather
conditions and initiated actions to clear the beach patrons in his swim area. After securing
the area Lifeguard I Garcia went back inside his tower, briefly observing the weather
conditions before exiting the tower for a safe structure back behind the beach,
Unfortunately, before he was able to exit, lightning hit the 35th Street tower. Lifeguard I
Garcia was knocked to the floor unable to move his left arm or leg and could not hear from
his left ear, Using his right hand Lifeguard Garcia radioed for assistance and Beach Patrol
staff responded immediately. Fire Rescue was called and transported Mr, Garcia to Mount
Sinai Hospital where he was administered medical attention and admitted for observation.
Lifeguard I Garcia remained in the hospital for two (2) days for observation and was
released on Tuesday afternoon, The Administration is pleased to report he is now at home
resting and is expected to fully recover. At this time Lifeguard I Garcia is anticipated to
return to full duty on Sunday, July 22, 2001.
Based on information provided by the Beach Patrol Administration this is the most serious
injury sustained by a lifeguard due to a lightning strike in the last twenty years,
Established Beach Patrol Division Lightning Safety Procedures are implemented when
lightning is estimated to be within seven miles of our beaches, At time of notice lifeguards
are to begin advising the public to clear the water and beach. When this is completed all
lifeguards are to leave their towers to seek safe shelter. All Beach Patrol personnel with
vehicles are to pick up lifeguards who do not have a back room, or other safe structure to
go to. Lifeguards may stay in the safe structures or be transported to safe quarters.
Lifeguards are to return to their towers when the lightning has not been seen for twenty
minutes.
.
As you may know, the City of Miami Beach uses wood, instead of metal for the
construction of Lifeguard stands. Wood construction, which is a very poor conductor for
electricity, does not attract lightning as much as metal construction would.
Running a ground from wood to the earth would provide little, if any, protection from
lightning strikes. Grounding protection for lightning of any structure, (as the City Hall, Old
City Hall, and the Police Department Building), has to be performed by a certified lightning
protection company, Each time the structure is moved, whether for hurricane preparation or
simply sifting the sand, would require the lightning protection company to come back out
and re-certify the installation of the grounding equipment. Unfortunately, lightning will hit
anything including wood, if the structure is the highest structure around, such as a stand on
the flat beach,
Should you have any questions or need any further information, please feel free to contact
me,
F:\CM~\$ALL\L TC01.L1GHTENING
JMGtp:ttRI/KS