Law enforcement and emergency services will be on the job Labor Day weekend to keep the beaches and roads safe on Anna Maria Island.
Manatee County Beach Patrol Capt. Marshall Greene said all lifeguard towers at Manatee, Cortez and Coquina public beaches will be staffed with EMT-trained professionals through the Aug. 30-Sept. 1 weekend.
“We’re going to have all of our lifeguard towers open across all three of our beaches,” Greene said. “We also have two basic life support squad units. One will be stationed at Manatee Beach … and then we will also have another BLS squad unit stationed at Tower 9 at Coquina Beach.”
The captain urged beachgoers to pay attention to flag warnings: “Green means go, water’s good, conditions are good, have fun. Yellow means caution, so slow down. Red means stop. We’ve got some dangerous conditions; pretty much only strong swimmers are the ones that should be entering the water.”
Greene said conditions can vary even along the same beach.
“Be vigilant. The beach that you’re going to, look at the tower at the beach in your vicinity and see what that flag color is and talk to that lifeguard,” he said. “Just know your limitations. If the waters are rough, stay where you can touch.”
Greene also reminded beachgoers to hydrate and eat during their holiday to avoid heat exhaustion.
In Holmes Beach, Police Chief Bill Tokajer said his department will add officers to enforce alcohol restrictions and parking regulations.
In Anna Maria, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies will step up patrols.
Sgt. Brett Getman, who heads up the MCSO’s Anna Maria substation, said efforts will focus on traffic enforcement and water safety, particularly at Bean Point.
The current, he said, “can cause that point to be more like a washing machine out there when the tides are coming and going and people don’t really always heed the warnings. Honestly, I wouldn’t even recommend swimming at Bean Point… .Go south, you know, about 150 yards, out of the high current areas.”
In August, two people drowned in separate incidents at the island’s north end.
Getman also urged adults to take extra precautions for kids.
“Most of the vacation rentals out here have pools and most have kid lifejackets at the house,” he said. “Bring them with you. Put the kids in a lifejacket if they’re not the best swimmer and you’re not sure. That way, at least they’re buoyant, no matter what happens.”
In Bradenton Beach, Police Chief John Cosby said holiday crowds are expected in the Bridge Street commercial district and at the beach.
“Bridge Street is usually very busy for the holidays and, with the long weekend, we are expecting a lot of people to be visiting,” Cosby said. “We’ll be concentrating on that area and also on people staying later at the beach because of the holiday.”
Cosby said parking during the holiday could require patience.
“Come early to get your spot and try to be nice to everybody,” he said.
At Manatee Public Beach Aug. 29-30, beachgoers will find West Manatee Fire Rescue firefighters, who will be handing out “Water Watcher” badges to designate an adult in each group as the dedicated observer for their party.
WMFR Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski said the badges ensure accountability.
He also advised, “Swim near the lifeguard stations, keep an eye on the kids and have a good time. I would say let’s keep Labor Day remembered for that — for family and community.”