Trustees accept 20 life rings donation; residents press for improved bay lifeguard shelter

The board voted to accept a donation of twenty life rings from Drown Zero International to enhance safety along the oceanfront and bayfront (Resolution No. 2026-022). Trustee Ian Levine described the program’s origin and said the life rings will be deployed year‑round at selected locations.

"We're going to get 20 all together. I think we're going to put like 10 or 11 on the ocean front and a couple on the bay," Trustee Levine said during discussion. The donation will be accepted and the village agreed to cover shipping costs and issue an acknowledgment receipt to the donor.

During citizen comment, several residents raised concerns about bay lifeguard working conditions — noting bay guards often operate from portable chairs and umbrellas — and urged the village to explore a permanent shelter or more substantial shade and storage to protect lifeguards from sun, wind and rain. Trustees acknowledged the requests and said they have discussed shade solutions with lifeguard leadership and would continue the conversation.