Drown Zero International
| Abbreviation | DZI |
|---|---|
| Founder | Wyatt Werneth |
| Type | Nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | Drowning prevention and water safety |
| Headquarters | Florida, U.S. |
Region served | Primarily Brevard County and the Space Coast |
Drown Zero flotation devices have been used in real-life rescue incidents. In one case reported by Spectrum News 13, a bystander retrieved a flotation ring from a Drown Zero station and assisted in rescuing a swimmer in distress after lifeguards had gone off duty.[1]
History
Drown Zero International was founded by Wyatt Werneth, a former Brevard County Ocean Rescue chief in 2016.[2] In 2024, Brevard County considered an agreement allowing the nonprofit to place 41 flotation-ring stations on county beaches, expanding an existing network already installed in municipal beach areas.[3][4]
Operations
The organization installs flotation stations at beach access points and other waterfront locations for use in water emergencies, particularly before lifeguards arrive or after staffed hours.[5] Central Florida Public Media reported in 2024 that the stations included a flotation ring and signage reminding beachgoers to call 911 and swim near lifeguards.[6]
By October 2025, Spectrum News 13 reported that roughly 200 Drown Zero life rings had been installed along the Brevard County coastline.[7] In March 2026, FOX 35 Orlando reported on vandalism and tampering involving Drown Zero flotation devices on the Space Coast.[8]
Partnerships
The organization has worked with local governments and community partners in Brevard County. Central Florida Public Media reported that Brevard County commissioners considered Drown Zero's beach-station expansion in 2024.[9] The Surfing's Evolution and Preservation Foundation has also described its sponsorship of the Drown Zero initiative.[10]
See also
References
- ↑ Pallone, Greg (October 15, 2025). "Drown Zero floatation devices help save lives in Brevard County". Spectrum News 13.
- ↑ Heidler, Scott (March 12, 2016). "Former Brevard County Ocean Rescue chief hoping to bring flotation device stands to more beaches". WESH 2.
- ↑ "Drown Zero aims to add flotation ring stations all along Brevard's beaches". Central Florida Public Media. March 11, 2024.
- ↑ Heidler, Scott (March 12, 2016). "Former Brevard County Ocean Rescue chief hoping to bring flotation device stands to more beaches". WESH 2.
- ↑ Pallone, Greg (October 15, 2025). "Drown Zero floatation devices save lives in Brevard County". Spectrum News 13.
- ↑ "Drown Zero aims to add flotation ring stations all along Brevard's beaches". Central Florida Public Media. March 11, 2024.
- ↑ Pallone, Greg (October 15, 2025). "Drown Zero floatation devices save lives in Brevard County". Spectrum News 13.
- ↑ Bower, Esther (March 16, 2026). "Tampering of lifesaving 'Drown Zero' tubes put swimmers at risk on Space Coast". FOX 35 Orlando.
- ↑ "Drown Zero aims to add flotation ring stations all along Brevard's beaches". Central Florida Public Media. March 11, 2024.
- ↑ "Drown Zero Initiative". Surfing's Evolution and Preservation Foundation.
References
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