COCOA BEACH, Fla. — After 14 drownings along Brevard County’s coast in 2023, commissioners are asking for beachside towns to help pay for lifeguards.

The drownings took place all either in non-lifeguard protected areas, or after hours when they went off duty.

“I think any life lost is tragic, and I want to prevent that as much as possible, and I want to make sure the cities help us prioritize safety,” said Brevard District 3 Commissioner John Tobia, who wants the cities to pay half the bill for lifeguard services, citing Cocoa Beach’s projected $3.7 million in parking revenue this year.

A portion of it — close to $900,000 — would go toward paying lifeguards.

It’s a figure the city has pushed back on.

The debate comes amid local spring break, and then the summer-season ahead.

And with tourists coming to town, it means a spike in business for Chantelle Moline, owner of Beach Bunnies in downtown. 

“Spring break has already started, and next week it will definitely be busy when all the kids are out,” she said.

Add to it, local Brevard students will be out of school and it will be time for seasonal lifeguards to join the year-round guards patrolling the beach.

Moline is concerned if the rift between Cocoa Beach and Brevard County isn’t settled, there could be fewer lifeguards to protect beachgoers.

She says cities should chip in so that doesn’t happen.

“If it means whether they are going to be available or not, yes, absolutely,” said Moline.

July 1 is the deadline for the cities to answer the county’s proposal.