LTC 148-2025 The Fire Department's Ocean Rescue Division is the recipient of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Recognition of Professional Achievement Award.Docusign Envelope ID: ED957 A90-2A9A-4894-9A8B-06302C64B3D1
MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC#
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
LETTER TO COMMISSION
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Eric Carpenter, City Manager � �
April 7, 2025
The Fire Department's Ocean Rescue Division is the recipient of the
United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Recognition of Professional
Achievement Award.
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC) is to advise that the Miami Beach Fire
Department's Ocean Rescue Division has been recognized nationally for its excellence in
lifesaving services. Miami Beach Ocean Rescue (MBOR) was the sole recipient of the United
States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Recognition of Professional Achievement Award, a
prestigious honor that highlights the Division's leadership, innovation, and commitment to public
safety.
The United States Lifesaving Association is the national nonprofit professional association of
beach lifeguards and open water rescuers. The USLA works to reduce drowning and injury in
aquatic environments through public education, national training standards, and the promotion of
best practices in lifesaving. The USLA certifies open water lifeguard agencies that can
demonstrate that they operate in accordance with the USLA guidelines for Open Water Lifeguard
Agency Certification. Miami Beach Ocean Rescue is one (1) of the one hundred-fifty (150) Open
Water Lifeguard Agencies that is certified in the United States of America. Miami Beach Ocean
Rescue is one (1) of the thirty-seven (37) Open Water Lifeguard Agencies that is certified in the
State of Florida. Miami Beach Ocean Rescue currently employs ninety-seven (97) full-time
lifeguards and thirty (30) part-time lifeguards that work year-round with over ninety (90) percent
of the staff being Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's).
The Open Water Lifeguard Agency National Awards Program recognizes agencies that exceed
industry standards in training, safety, community leadership, and interagency collaboration.
Award recipients must demonstrate exceptional advancements in operational protocols,
equipment, training, and lifesaving professionalism. MBOR was previously awarded the National
Lifesaving Award in 2006 for participating in rescue efforts following the Chalk's seaplane crash.
In November 2024, the USLA Board of Directors selected MBOR for the Recognition of
Professional Achievement Award due to its commitment to enhancing emergency response
protocols, implementing technological advancements, and fostering a culture of excellence within
the Division.
In 2024, Miami Beach Ocean Rescue Lifeguards made five hundred and seventy-seven (577)
ocean rescues which saved over eight hundred (800) victims. Miami Beach Ocean Rescue
Lifeguards made over seven hundred fifty-nine thousand (759,872) preventative actions and
made over five hundred-ten thousand (510,022) enforcements on our local beaches. Miami
Beach Ocean Rescue Lifeguards responded to over six hundred (606) major medicals and over
ninety-six thousand (96,953) minor medicals.
Miami Beach Ocean Rescue has set a new industry standard through key innovations and
148-2025 f'
Docusign Envelope ID : ED957 A90-2A9A-4894-9A8B-06302C6483D1
operational improvement, including :
• Implementation of a Mobile EMS BLS Protocol Application -MBOR developed an in-house
mobile application that provides all personnel with instant access to Basic Life Support {BLS)
protocols. This ensures that lifeguards have real-time reference materials for emergency
response.
• Creation of a Beach Conditions Website -This online platform enhances public safety by
providing up-to-date beach conditions, rip current advisories, and safety alerts to both the public
and lifeguards.
• Advancements in Training & SOP Updates -MBOR continuously refines its Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP's) to align with the latest lifesaving techniques and medical
protocols. This commitment to continuous improvement was a crucial factor in securing this
national recognition.
Currently , MBOR is the only Ocean Rescue agency in the country known to have developed an
in-house mobile application for lifeguard protocols, reinforcing our leadership in lifesaving
innovation.
The United States Lifesaving Association Recognition of Professional Achievement Award is a
reflection of Miami Beach Ocean Rescue's national reputation for excellence. This award
acknowledges the professionalism , dedication, and leadership of the entire Division. It serves as
a testament to the hard work of our lifeguards , supervisors, and administrative team, whose
collective efforts continue to enhance public safety on Miami Beach.
This recognition not only brings great credit to the Division but also highlights the City of Miami
Beach Fire Department as a leader in ocean rescue operations.
lnDSfl ~For more information, please contact Fire Chief Digna Abella at Dignaabello@miamibeachfl.gov .
DA/EC