If You're Headed to Vero

[PamOKW]

Just a reminder that the ocean at Vero is not controlled by Disney. It's real and has real dangers. A little bit of common sense and it's not a worry.

Over the last few days there are reports of very strong rip currents all along Florida's East Coast. A tourist in Palm Beach was killed trying to rescue his nieces. A 13 year-old boy from Jacksonville is missing. The rip current is probably the deadliest danger with the Florida ocean. Don't ever let your small children out of your sight when at Vero. It's also suggested that you might want to walk the few feet down to the public beach next door where there are lifeguards. I would take that precaution when there is a riptide warning in effect as is currently the case.

Okay -- lecture over. Go and enjoy!!

 

[DVCLady]

Delete

 

[DisneyHumbug]

That was the only thing I didn't like about Vero - no lifeguard.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Though I do love Vero, I wish they had built it on the gulf coast because of this problem!

The "rumor" I was told by my inlaws was supposedly the reason they built where they did was because of the cruises, that they wanted their own cruise port, and they were going to build one near Vero??

But anyway, watch those currents and tides!!!

 

[wdwstar]

thank you for the warning, i will be more alert when we go, i really never let the kids go in very far maybe up to the knees,lol.lol. i dont like to go in because im always afraid of stepping on something even with watershoes on, if i cant see the bottom , i dont go in, but i will tell dh to watch the kids too.

i didnt know vb didnt have lifeguards

learn something new everyday.

 

[floridafam]

Thanks for the warning.

I read about two women who were walking along the beach in Ft. Lauderdale and were swept out to sea. One died.

The rip currents are bad right now and we would be very careful if we were at VB.

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks for the warning. We will be there in a little over 2 weeks. I love being at the ocean, but being IN it has always made me a bit nervous!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks for the warning. Is there any time of the year worse than another ? Just wondering.

 

[PamOKW]

I'm not sure what causes the problem for sure. I think that storms -- even ones offshore -- probably have the greatest effect. My guess is that spring and fall, when the weather is changeable, might be the times when they are most prevelant. But, they can happen year-round. The lifeguard station at the beach will post warnings and DVC also has a board where they post the day's conditions.

The "beach watch" reporter from Vero also mentioned that the refurbishment that Disney and some of the nearby condos just completed has already taken a beating in these recent conditions. I guess you can't fight Mother Nature.

According to the local news, sea turtles are also starting to nest along the Treasure Coast, a few weeks before the "official" start.

 

[Vince]

Thanks so much for that update, I will really keep an eye on the kids when there.




-Vince

 

[jaysue]

PamOKW, thanks for the reminder

cheers
jaysue

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks again Pam. This is what I was thinking. I remember the board at Vero that posts the beach/water conditions. The last time we stayed there for any length of time was Aug '00 and the water was really quite calm, but I could imagine the rip tides getting pretty rough. We've made day trips there since our '00 trip and have witnessed some rough surf.

 

[debbiedoo]

I grew up in VB and here ae a few tips.

Riptides can change very quickly throughout hte day even when there is a fully staffed lifeguards. Riptides can even catch you under even in knee deep water, especially with children. Adults that are strong have a hard time with the srong currents, imagine a child.

A few miles on south A1A, there is a beautiful park with a boardwlk/beach. JC park. They have a great MASH hoagies and a great ice cream place!! my friend lives in the condo right behind there!! Great boardwalk with a park, and lots of people and lifeguards. Take the time to drive 10/15 minutes south for your safety!! I have expereinced losing great and loved friends/family due to the weather and ocean currents on the Atalantic.

Maybe we should tell dvc how we feel????

Enjoy your trip there and if you have any questions just ask!!

 

[kel3420]

This is why I have my kids, even the teens, wear life jackets in the water there. We rent them right at the resort.

There is also a board on the pier telling of the water conditions.

I thought I read several months back, that there were no longer lifeguards down the beach.

 

[floridafam]

I've read several times that if you get caught in one of these rip currents you are supposed to swim parallel with the shore line.

Most people panic and try and swim straight for shore and become tired.

I didn't realize how even standing in knee deep water can be dangerous. My daughter and I were nearly swept out to sea last October and all we were trying to do was walk from the bottom of the stairs to our chairs.

We are always very careful at VB. Most of the time, the sea is very calm.

 

[debbiedoo]

Yes you are correct, you are suppose to swim parallel with the riptide. It depends on how good of a swimmer you are and if there is an undertow. Which means pulling downward. There can be an undertow with no riptide, do be careful!!