Nueces County backs beach safety proclamation, approves $5,000 support for Jassani Smith Foundation

The Commissioners Court on April 12 adopted a proclamation recognizing April as Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness Month and praised local volunteer efforts to reduce rip current fatalities.

Commissioners highlighted the Jassani Smith Foundation’s volunteer outreach—billboards, signage and lifeguard information in English and Spanish—and approved a $5,000 allocation from a commissioner’s outside agency funds to support the foundation’s continuing education and beach outreach efforts. Foundation representatives Terrence Denson and Mary (treasurer) described the loss of a child to a rip current, the group’s community education work, and the value of lifeguard presence and clear flag signage on public beaches.

The proclamation references House Bill 3807 (the “Jassani Smith Act,” authored by Rep. Todd Hunter) that expanded signage and lifeguard staffing at public beaches in Texas. Commissioners encouraged residents to check surf conditions, stay near lifeguards and heed posted flags.

The court’s action was unanimous. Commissioners said the county will continue to partner with grassroots groups and provide support for lifesaving beach education.