Dozens of flotation devices added to Cocoa Beach

COCOA BEACH, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - It’s the simple object that works like a charm, when beach-goers need it to rescue swimmers in trouble. Many, however, still don’t realize it’s available along Cocoa Beach.

The Rotary Club has installed more than 40 life-saving flotation rings, positioned in areas where the lifeguard tower is far away. However, some beach-goers walk right by the rings as they arrive for the day, so the city wants to remind everyone about them.

Take notice, and if need be, take action.  “Throw, Don’t Go.”

After Hurricane Irma, all but one was lost. They’ve recently been replaced, and in the past two months, good Samaritans have used them. In the most recent case, last week, people formed a human-chain and used the life ring to keep the victim’s head above the water.

Richard Charpentier is the acting president of the Cocoa Beach Rotary Club. As the summer beach season begins, Charpentier wants to raise awareness the rings are there because lifeguards leave at 5 p.m., and even when they’re on duty, they can’t be everywhere.

“We don’t have enough lifeguards to have the whole beach covered, so they save lives,” Charpentier said.