A first responders’ roundtable will focus on emergency readiness for the Fourth of July weekend — especially preparedness on the water.
Manatee County Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman, heading up the Coquina and Manatee Public beach lifeguards, sent out invitations for the meeting.
While the roundtable won’t be open to the public because of security concerns, Westerman wants to share some information.
After a Memorial Day weekend of record crowds and more expected for the July 4 holiday, he decided to host the meeting to share ideas and coverage plans for parks, beaches and on the water.
“When you have water incidents, it’s important to provide quality responses in a quick and professional manner to help our citizens, Westerman said.
“I’ve been there and responded to emergency situations. And there’s not always a lot of (emergency) vessels out there,” he added.
Coquina and Manatee Public beaches, a mile-long beach at the south end and 400 yards of beachfront near the center of Anna Maria Island, respectively, are the only two beaches on the island where lifeguards are stationed.
West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Tom Sousa said the department wants to send trained rescue swimmers to help on the island’s south end.
Westerman invited WMFR to the meeting as well as county marine and sheriff’s divisions, Longboat Key police and fire, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the city of Bradenton police and fire, emergency medical services personnel and Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach police. All agencies have marine units.
“We all have our specialty. And we all cross each others paths, but our radios don’t always coordinate on the same channels,” Westerman said.