JACKSONVILLE, Fla — After a disagreement between the Volunteer Life Saving Corps and the City of Jacksonville Beach, city council members will vote on a new agreement tomorrow night.
“We’re excited,” said the President of VLSC Board of Directors, Jim Emery. “We are very happy that were able to reach an agreement with the city.”
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
It comes after nearly a year ago, the VLSC sued the City of Jacksonville Beach for ending its contract with the Volunteer Life Saving Corps and locking them out of the lifeguard stations.
The U.S. Department of Labor found that the contract violated federal law.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Now, with a new agreement, volunteers and paid city lifeguards will be both be on-hand.
Jim Emery said it wasn’t an easy process.
“We didn’t get everything we wanted; the city didn’t get everything they wanted so it’s kind of a good compromise,” said Emery.
Jim said they came to this agreement mainly in the interest of beach safety.
He said with the national lifeguard shortage, the trained volunteers will help add to the city’s paid lifeguard service.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
“That’ll put more lifeguards on the beach, and more lifeguards on the beach means a safer beach,” said Emery.
Action News Jax spoke with beachgoers on Sunday, who were in favor of this new agreement.
“I definitely think it’ll be great to have more lifeguards,” said Domanique Mack.
“Having that extra set of eyes, it kind of makes your vacation more enjoyable and it makes you want to come back,” said Shalene Bridgers.
The Jacksonville Beach City Council will vote on the new agreement tomorrow night, and the meeting starts at 6 p.m.
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
