Brevard County officials are warning that underfunding lifeguards could jeopardize the region’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on safe beach conditions. With rip currents responsible for multiple drownings and rescues this year, county leaders are urging municipalities to contribute more toward lifeguarding costs—a proposal that failed previously due to lack of public input. The concern comes as Memorial Day weekend saw 14 ocean rescues and 10 additional saves from the Indian River Lagoon after a boat capsized. "If only half of those rescues had been successful, tourists might think twice about visiting," said John A. Torres, who highlighted the risks in a recent column. Two tourists drowned in April while attempting to save a boy caught in rip currents, and another teen died near Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach on May 2. These incidents underscore the urgency of addressing lifeguard vacancies and budget shortfalls. The county has faced criticism for not acting swiftly, with some arguing that the current lifeguarding efforts are insufficient given the scale of the threat. A previous attempt to shift more financial responsibility to municipalities collapsed without community engagement, leaving the county to shoulder most of the burden. Commissioners are now being pressed to reconsider funding priorities, especially as the summer season approaches. "We need summer dollars," Torres wrote, referencing the fictional town of Amity from the movie *Jaws*, where a shark attack nearly destroyed the local economy. "If people can’t swim here, they’ll go elsewhere." Local businesses and tourism advocates have echoed these concerns, pointing to the economic impact of unsafe beaches. With lifeguarding costs rising and vacancies remaining unfilled, the county faces a dilemma: continue relying on limited resources or seek new ways to share the financial load. Public input is seen as critical to any future funding discussions, but time is running out as the summer season looms.