Here is the response to my inquiry sent to me from the City Manager. Apparently he did the right thing per her comments about City Policy. Seems like a nice kid. Glad he told Jeff Ellis Company to go away after they offered him his job back.
Thank you for contacting the City of Hallandale Beach regarding the beach incident that occurred on July 2, 2012. I am in close contact with Jeff Ellis of Jeff Ellis Management who has started a full investigation into the termination of their lifeguard. The lifeguard is not a City employee, but was employed by Jeff Ellis Management, a private company contracted to provide lifeguard services for two city-owned beaches and the Municipal pool. Jeff Ellis Management has committed to the City that if the lifeguard was terminated in haste, the company would move expeditiously to reinstate his employment.
It has always been the City’s policy that if there is an actual emergency inside or outside of the protected area, the lifeguard must respond. We do however have to ensure that certain safety protocols are followed to ensure the safety of all visitors to the City of Hallandale Beach. At this time, the City is awaiting the facts of the termination and the results of our internal inquiry and the Ellis Management investigation. Once the City has the results of the investigation, we can make an informed determination on the future of the relationship with this management company.
The City Hallandale Beach truly values your concerns and comments on this issue. The safety of our Beach patrons and the manner in which this service is provided is paramount to the City. We are moving swiftly to address the situation.
Renee C. Crichton
City Manager
City of Hallandale Beach