Jeff Scabarozi
Ocean Lifeguard Chief
321-633-2056
jeffrey.scabarozi@brevardcounty.us

 

Dear Friends, Hello and welcome to the Brevard County Fire Rescue Department's Ocean Lifeguard website. The Brevard County Ocean Lifeguard Division provides for the safe swimming and beach protection to all Brevard County residents, visitors and tourists in designated areas of unincorporated Brevard County. Currently there are 5 full time protected areas and 26 seasonal protected areas at various beach front parks. All Ocean Lifeguards are United States Lifesaving Association certified with a minimum of First Responder training. The scope of responsibility for the lifeguards include accident and drowning prevention, public education, citizen assist, search and recovery of lost children, basic life support, and swimmer rescues.

Ocean Rescue Chief Jeff Scabarozi began his career with Brevard County as Ocean Lifeguard in 1997. Jeff was promoted the rank of Captain in 1999; as an Ocean Rescue Captain, he was responsible for the operation of multiple lifeguard towers. In 2006, Jeff was promoted to the position of Assistant Ocean Rescue Chief and was instrumental in all aspects of the department’s Ocean Rescue program. In his role as the program’s Assistant Chief, Scabarozi was involved with hiring, training, equipment purchasing, and the day-to-day management of lifeguard operations.
Among his accomplishments, Ocean Rescue Chief Scabarozi was the department’s Lifeguard of the Year in 1999 and he was awarded Captain of the Year for four consecutive years beginning in 1999. Jeff’s hobbies are surfing and fishing.
Ocean Rescue Chief Scabarozi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from the University of Central Florida.

Ocean Rescue Assistant Chief Eisen Witcher began his career with Brevard County as Ocean Lifeguard in 2002. Eisen, based on his high level of performance, was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2006. Witcher continued to hone his lifeguard skills and became a USLA Southeast certified Personal Watercraft (PWC) Rescue Operator and instructor.

Among his accomplishments, Ocean Rescue Assistant Chief Witcher was the department's Lifeguard of the Year in 2005 and he was awarded Captain of the Year for 2008. Eisen was also commended for his leadership during the numerous water rescues that took place during Memorial Day weekend in 2007. Eisen has also won multiple lifeguard competitions including a first place win at the 2007 USLA Southeast region beach flags event.
Ocean Rescue Assistant Chief Witcher is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Technical Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a minor in safety. He plans to further his education by pursuing his Masters Degree in 2010.

Ocean Lifeguard Academy Tryouts

Ocean Rescue has set its new training dates for the 2010 Season.

New applicants

1st Tryout - Jan 30 at Rockledge High School
7:00am - 500 meter swim(10 min); 2 mile run (20 min); application

2nd Tryout - Mar 27 at Rockledge High School
7:00am - 500 meter swim(10 min); 2 mile run (20 min); application

Clause: 40hr First Responder and 60 hr Lifeguard Academy is required upon completion of the tryout. Brevard County provides free of charge both classes. Dates and information of these classes will be passed out after tryouts.

NOTE: Please bring your drivers license, social security card, swimming apparel, running shoes, and a towel when reporting to the tryout!

Existing Lifeguards

1st Recurrent class Jan 23rd at Rockledge Hish School
7:00am - 500 meter swim

2nd Recurrent class February 27th at Merritt Island High School
7:00am - 500 meter swim

For the latest ocean conditions and lifeguard tower locations and times of operation, call the Brevard County Ocean Rescue Report # 637-5777.

GOAL PRIORITIES

1. To increase the operational readiness and effectiveness of county lifeguard personnel through additional job training and quality reviews.
2. To maximize the use of beach services and resources to enhance both the level and quality of service that would meet the prudent citizen's expectations.
3. To foster inter-agency communication, training, and support with all related agencies.
4. To educate the public to the potential hazards associated with aquatic activities through active and passive community based public education programs.

The Ocean Lifeguard program is year round. The lifeguard program has approximately (6) part-time lifeguards, (100) seasonal lifeguards, and (9) full- time lifeguards and (2) full time supervisors. Brevard County operates a year round lifeguard tower coverage at 5 ocean beach locations, and 26 seasonal lifeguard tower locations in Brevard County. The service falls under the direction of a full-time Chief Lifeguard Jeff Scabarozi. The Lifeguard towers are located in cities of Cocoa Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne, Satellite Beach and Cape Canaveral.

Lifeguard Season:

Full time locations (5 towers)

• Cocoa Beach Pier
• Sheppard Park - Cocoa Beach
• Lori Wilson Park - Cocoa Beach
• Minuteman Cswy - Cocoa Beach
• Paradise/Futch Park - N Indialantic

Note: Port Canaveral provides year round lifeguard service at Jetty Park.

Learn to swim safety:
Follow these safety tips when visiting Brevard County's beaches Swim Safely

For more information regarding the Ocean Lifeguard program, please call Jeff Scabarozi at (321) 863-0992
or [Lori Wilson Lifeguard Station (321) 868-1145].