WATCH: Drown Zero Brings Lifesaving Tools to Public Beaches With Help from Realtor Bobby Freeman

Drown Zero Founded by Wyatt Werneth, former Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief

WATCH: Along Florida’s scenic coastlines, a grassroots effort is quietly saving lives. It’s called Drown Zero: a growing statewide initiative that installs bright orange flotation ring stations along beaches and open waterways to assist in water emergencies, especially when lifeguards aren’t present. Founded by Wyatt Werneth, a former Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief, Drown Zero’s mission is simple: prevent drownings through public awareness, community engagement, and lifesaving equipment.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Along Florida’s scenic coastlines, a grassroots effort is quietly saving lives. It’s called Drown Zero: a growing statewide initiative that installs bright orange flotation ring stations along beaches and open waterways to assist in water emergencies, especially when lifeguards aren’t present.

Founded by Wyatt Werneth, a former Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief, Drown Zero’s mission is simple: prevent drownings through public awareness, community engagement, and lifesaving equipment.

Since its launch in 2016, more than 400 stations have been installed in counties across Florida, including Brevard, Indian River, and Flagler.

“This is about giving people the right tool at the right time,” said Werneth. “You don’t need to be a lifeguard to save a life. You just need to know what to do and have access to flotation.”

Each Drown Zero station includes a highly visible life ring and emergency instructions with a ‘Throw, Don’t Go’ reminder: encouraging bystanders to act quickly and safely by tossing the ring and calling 911.

Community-Driven Safety

What makes Drown Zero unique is its community sponsorship model. Local businesses and city partners fund the stations, which cost around $500 each. That local support has allowed the initiative to expand without a taxpayer burden, and it’s already credited with multiple successful rescues.

One of those sponsors is Bobby Freeman, a top-producing real estate agent with McCoy Freeman Compass in Cocoa Beach.

“We live and work here. Our clients come to the Space Coast for the lifestyle, and that includes beach safety,” said Freeman. “Supporting Drown Zero is one way we can give back to the community that gives so much to us.”

While Drown Zero stations aren’t meant to replace lifeguards, they serve as force multipliers, providing lifesaving support in moments when a trained professional may not be nearby.

“Out of 26 fatal drownings I responded to, more than half involved someone trying to help without a flotation device,” Werneth said. “That’s a tragedy we can prevent.”

Brevard County alone now has over 200 stations, and more are in the works. The program has also gained backing from the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, which is supported through Florida’s Endless Summer specialty license plate.

Looking ahead, Werneth and his team plan to enhance stations with GPS-tracked life rings, mobile alerts, and other tech tools to improve emergency response times further.

Drown Zero is always looking for more sponsors, volunteers, and community ambassadors. To learn more, sponsor a station, or bring the program to your area, visit DrownZero.com.

Similar Stories