Entech Innovative Engineering Community Initiative Already Helps Save Lives by Building Floatation Devices

By Space Coast Daily // May 4, 2019

Drown Zero stations include bright orange U.S. Coast Guard approved lifesaving ring

Entech Innovative Engineering recently teamed up with the Cocoa Beach Rotary Club to design and build the second round of 42 Drown Zero floatation device stations for placement along Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral beaches. (Entech Innovative Engineering image)

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Entech Innovative Engineering recently teamed up with the Cocoa Beach Rotary Club to design and build the second round of 42 Drown Zero floatation device stations for placement along Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral beaches.

The first round of Drown Zero stations, built by a different company, were swept out to sea during Hurricane Irma in August 2017.

The new stations were completed by Entech Innovative in early April, just in time to be available for a dangerous riptide that rolled through the area April 24.

Two separate near-drownings had a happy ending after onlookers noticed distressed swimmers needing assistance.

The Drown Zero stations include a bright orange U.S. Coast Guard approved lifesaving ring, directions on how to use it and a reminder to call 9-1-1. The Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral beaches draw approximately four million annual visitors.

“Because it only takes a few seconds for fun in the water to turn tragic, it was an easy decision to become involved in this project with the Cocoa Beach Rotary Club,” said John Marhoefer, owner and chief engineer for Entech Innovative Engineering.

“The Good Samaritans who risked their lives to save others shows what kind of community we live in and how much they care for others.”

Good Samaritan Michael Berry was one of those who put his life at risk when he noticed a swimmer frantically waving her hands for help. After hoisting the person onto his back, Berry began to swim into shore, only to be swept out by a rip current.

As others on the beach watched the scenario unfold, they began to form a human chain in the water to pass the two in distress a Drown Zero floatation device.

The team effort led to a successful rescue.

Approximately 10 miles south of the first incident on the same day, a young girl is lucky to be alive after another group of Brevard County Good Samaritans put their lives at risk to save hers.

“This life-saving concept is being used on beaches all over the world with great success,” said Drown Zero founder and Cocoa Beach Rotary Club member Wyatt Werneth.

“We are happy to have it back in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral!”