Post by Chuck McCue on Apr 6, 2022 13:32:27 GMT -5
News from the VLSC concerning their battle with the COJB to keep the Volunteer Life Saving Corps operating in Jacksonville Beach.
----------------
Effective January 1, 2022, the City of Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue (JBOR) division expanded its lifeguard recruitment, training, beach patrol, and ocean rescue services from six days a week to every day of the year including holidays. JBOR, as a certified Advanced Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Agency, is a team of well-trained, highly skilled professionals comprised of Lifeguards, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Command Staff.
In the past, the Volunteer Life Saving Corps (VLSC) provided recruitment and training services to support JBOR operations, and provided volunteer ocean rescue services to the community on Sundays and holidays, while City employees provided ocean rescue services on all other days. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) found that the voluntary provision of services, under certain circumstances, was in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. As a result of these findings, the City was required to make fundamental changes to ocean rescue operations going forward. The City entered into discussions with the VLSC in an effort to establish a new agreement for a continued community partnership between the two agencies. Due to recent events, the City has made the difficult decision to discontinue discussions with the VLSC and retain full responsibility for ocean rescue and lifeguard services within the boundaries of Jacksonville Beach.
The City of Jacksonville Beach has a vested interest in preserving the integrity, status, and function of the American Red Cross Volunteer Lifesaving Corps Station, which serves as headquarters for JBOR operations. Its presence within the City of Jacksonville Beach establishes a sense of community identity and pride, while its placement on the National Historic Register exemplifies its historical significance.
According to City Manager Mike Staffopoulos: “It is the City’s responsibility and priority to be compliant with federal law, minimize risk and exposure to the City, and continue provision of quality public safety services on the City’s beaches. It's also our responsibility to ensure that our employees are provided a work environment that embraces and supports the organization’s core values
----------------
Effective January 1, 2022, the City of Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue (JBOR) division expanded its lifeguard recruitment, training, beach patrol, and ocean rescue services from six days a week to every day of the year including holidays. JBOR, as a certified Advanced Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Agency, is a team of well-trained, highly skilled professionals comprised of Lifeguards, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Command Staff.
In the past, the Volunteer Life Saving Corps (VLSC) provided recruitment and training services to support JBOR operations, and provided volunteer ocean rescue services to the community on Sundays and holidays, while City employees provided ocean rescue services on all other days. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) found that the voluntary provision of services, under certain circumstances, was in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. As a result of these findings, the City was required to make fundamental changes to ocean rescue operations going forward. The City entered into discussions with the VLSC in an effort to establish a new agreement for a continued community partnership between the two agencies. Due to recent events, the City has made the difficult decision to discontinue discussions with the VLSC and retain full responsibility for ocean rescue and lifeguard services within the boundaries of Jacksonville Beach.
The City of Jacksonville Beach has a vested interest in preserving the integrity, status, and function of the American Red Cross Volunteer Lifesaving Corps Station, which serves as headquarters for JBOR operations. Its presence within the City of Jacksonville Beach establishes a sense of community identity and pride, while its placement on the National Historic Register exemplifies its historical significance.
According to City Manager Mike Staffopoulos: “It is the City’s responsibility and priority to be compliant with federal law, minimize risk and exposure to the City, and continue provision of quality public safety services on the City’s beaches. It's also our responsibility to ensure that our employees are provided a work environment that embraces and supports the organization’s core values