HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-12; City Council; ; Rescue Watercraft DonationCA Review __AF__
Meeting Date
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
Subject:
Districts:
July 12, 2022
Mayor and City Council
Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Nathan Pearson, Fire Division Chief
nathan.pearson@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2241
Rescue Watercraft Donation
All
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution accepting a donation of a rescue watercraft and trailer from the Carlsbad
Fire Department Foundation to the Carlsbad Fire Department lifeguard program.
Executive Summary
The Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation purchased a rescue watercraft and trailer valued at
$22,350 for the Carlsbad Fire Department’s lifeguard program. Carlsbad Municipal Code Section
2.08.100 requires City Council approval for the city to accept donations exceeding $5,000.
Discussion
The Carlsbad Fire Department lifeguard program uses rescue watercraft to maintain day-to-day
operations. It is an indispensable tool for public safety and the program’s success. The
watercraft allows lifeguards to cover miles of coastline, access difficult waterways, perform
rescues when beaches are crowded and the surf is high, and to patrol beaches that cannot be
reached by vehicle because of seasonal sand movement.
The popularity of North Beach has significantly increased since the city implemented lifeguard
services in 2017. The number of medical aid calls, preventative safety actions, public education
encounters and rescues have increased with more visitors along this stretch of beach. In 2021,
the city welcomed more than 750,000 visitors on North Beach and performed more than 400
rescues. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon is also a popular recreational resource with increased use
during summer months. In 2020, the Police and Fire departments began a lagoon safety
program to help deter dangerous or careless behavior and provide faster response times for
care and treatment of injuries at the lagoon. As beach and lagoon attendance continues to
climb, the ability to provide rescue response to a variety of conditions is critical.
The lifeguard program operates with one rescue watercraft. The ocean, salt air and beach are
dynamic environments that cause physical and electrical damage to the watercraft. Although
maintenance requirements and costs are minimal, replacement parts and equipment are
difficult to obtain at times. During extended repair periods, the lifeguard program operates
without the watercraft, a critical piece of lifesaving equipment. Additionally, having just one
rescue watercraft limits response capabilities to multiple locations, such as North Beach,
July 12, 2022 Item #10 Page 1 of 3
Terramar or the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and in dynamic ocean conditions. Both factors
reinforce the need for a second watercraft.
The Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation was established by Carlsbad residents as a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization in 2013. Its mission is to raise funds to enhance fire and rescue services,
support public outreach, offer safety education and provide scholarships. The watercraft it is
donating will help the department ensure its operational readiness for lifeguard services and
emergency rescues.
Staff recommend adopting a resolution accepting the donation from the Carlsbad Fire
Department Foundation.
Fiscal Analysis
The Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation purchased the rescue watercraft and trailer for the
Carlsbad Fire Department lifeguard program. No additional funds are needed for the purchase.
Ongoing funding to support a second watercraft was approved in the fiscal year 2022-23
operating budget.
Next Steps
With the City Council’s approval, the Fire Department will accept the donation from the
Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation and take the necessary steps to transfer ownership to the
City and put the watercraft into operation for use by the city’s lifeguards. Staff will send a letter
to the foundation expressing the department’s and the city’s appreciation for the donation.
Environmental Evaluation
According to Public Resources Code Section 21065, this action does not constitute a project
within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act. It has no potential to cause
either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical
change in the environment.
Public Notification
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public
comment and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibit
1.City Council resolution
July 12, 2022 Item #10 Page 2 of 3
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-169
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA,
ACCEPTING A DONATION OF A RESCUE WATERCRAFT AND TRAILER FROM
THE CARLSBAD FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION TO THE CARLSBAD FIRE
DEPARTMENT LIFEGUARD PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Fire Department implemented lifeguard services on North Beach in 2017; and
WHEREAS, the Police and Fire departments implemented a lagoon safety program in 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation purchased a rescue watercraft and trailer
for the Fire Department lifeguard program; and
WHEREAS, acceptance of this donation will enhance lifeguard and rescue services on North Beach
and the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
l.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the City Council accepts with thanks the donation of a rescue watercraft and trailer
from the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad
on the 12th day of :!.!!!Y, 2022, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
Hall, Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta.
None.
Norby.
� �AVIOLA MEDINA, City Clerk Services Manager
(SEAL)
EXHIBIT 1
July 12, 2022 Item #10 Page 3 of 3