VB officials extend period of lifeguards on duty in September
Dec 17, 2024
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) -- Virginia Beach is extending the period for lifeguards on duty through the last two weekends of September.
The change will include events like Neptune Fest. The city plans to reduce some guarded stand hours before Memorial Day and after Labor Day to balance out the costs. Before, lifeguards were on duty two weeks prior to Memorial Day and two weeks after Labor day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Now, they will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to offset any additional costs.
With ever increasing crowds due to festivals, officials from the city decided it was time to extend the days. A tragic incident from Sept. 21, where three men died after being swept out to sea at the Oceanfront also contributed to the decision, Tom Gill from Virginia Beach Lifesaving Services said.
However, officials were called to that incident at 8:30 p.m. after the three men went swimming at night. The new changes won't prevent late night incidents since the lifeguards' shifts end at 5 p.m.
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