Welcome To VSLA.ORG

The Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association is a non-profit, professional association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers. We work to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment through public education, youth programs, national lifeguard standards, training programs, promotion of high levels of lifeguard readiness, and other means. The Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association (VSLA) is recognized as a nonprofit, charitable organization under the laws of the United States. The VSLA is a recognized chapter of the United States Lifesaving Association.

Our Mission"The Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association thrives to establish and maintain high standards of professional surf lifesaving for the maximizing of public safety through preventative awareness and educational programs."

 Click Here for South Atlantic Lifesaving Association By-Laws (By-laws in PDF format) 


     The Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association (VSLA) is involved in many community outreach program such as The Junior Lifeguard Program, Toys of Tots and more. This year the VSLA is assisting the Junior Lifeguard Program with online registrations. Until this year it wasn't possible for parents to register online or pay with a credit card. If you are interested in The Junior Lifeguard Program or would like to register online for one or more of the camps Click Here.

Our History

In the early 1980’s there was a need for lifeguards to educate the public on water safety, to raise money for “first class” competition equipment,  and the kindness of giving back to their community. The lifeguards banned together to form the Volusia Surf Lifesaving Organization. The group was self-taught to running official meetings and calling them to order. VSLA member, Tony Sopotnick stated “It was like breathing life into something that hadn’t existed.” The members of this fraternal organization, after much difficulty, were approved for a non-profit 5013(c) and established their meetings at local hotels such as Casa del Mar, The Texan, and The Days Inn. The VSLA donated turkey’s to the Salvation Army for Thanksgiving and presents to needy children during Christmas. The group wanted a logo that represented them best, but according to official by-laws, a certain percentage of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) logo had to be changed in order to call it their own. The members decided to omit the American flag background, and replace it with a lifeguard tower. Sopotnick took his 35mm camera to the Dunlawton station and found lifeguard Jason Ness. His physique using the people’s flag was captured through several photos, and then taken to the store to be developed. Sopotnick gave the photos to a local artist and he captured Ness’s image inside the USLA oars and the VSLA logo was born. Fundraisers such as window decals, lifeguard yearbooks, and bumper stickers were sold to allow funds for the much needed competition equipment. The VSLA currently follows these same concepts that originated in the “early years.”  

VSLA Officers

President-Kathy

Officer Kathy Shulzinsky has been a member of the VSLA from 1989-present. Kathy serves as the club President, in which she calls the meetings to order, puts together fundraisers, and organizes the team in every aspect. Her favorite part of being on the team is the competition, training, and getting to travel all over the world while meeting new competitors. She has competed in all three levels (regional, national and world) of competition over the last 20 years. Her favorite place to compete is the Northeast region and she competes in every event, usually placing in the top 3 every time. Her team spirit is contagious and she is always on the sidelines cheering for her teammates. Kathy is the glue that holds the team together and is well respected, not only as the club President, but as an athlete.

VP-Kevin

Chief Kevin Sweat currently holds the Vice-President position of the VSLA. His duties include, but not limited to, co-ordinatator, and organizing the teams travel arrangements and uniforms. Kevin’s favorite part of the VSLA is that it is a non-profit organization that has helped people in need, such as the toy drive during Christmas. He also enjoys the team spirit and family atmosphere of the team. Kevin has competed in Regional, National, and World competitions since 1999. He also served as the United States Lifesaving National team manager for Rescue 2006 (Australia) and Rescue 2008 (Germany). Enjoying the travel for the past 10 years, the competitions most difficult for him and the team have been against Mammoth County and LA County. Kevin is passionate about all aspects of what makes up the VSLA and is very proud of the people involved. He has always recognized the lifeguards that sit the towers while the team travels.  He has honored many simply through a phone call, email and at end-of the year banquets of a job well done.

 Secretary-Cara Gittner

Cara Gittner was a junior lifeguard from 11-16 and then have been a lifeguard since 2002. I was offered a full-time position in Dec of 2007 and officially hired in February of 2008. I have been an active member of the competition team since my rookie summer in 2002, when I competed at Regionals. My main duties as the Secretary are to take minutes at all of the meetings and make sure that everyone in attendance signs the roster. I send the minutes to the President so that they can be recorded.

 

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Treasurer-Bryon White 

Bryon White has served as a Volusia County Lifeguard since 2002. He obtained his EMT-B certification shortly after, and was hired as a full-time Senior Lifeguard in 2009. Bryon has served on numerous other non-profit boards, and was elected treasurer of the VSLA in 2011. Bryon earned a B.S. in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida, and is obtaining a M.S. in Criminal justice Administration from Loyola University New Orleans. Bryon is also an avid competitor, and serves as the event coordinator for the upcoming Surf Guardian Aquathlon & 5K.

Recurrent Rep-TomMcGibeny 

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Past Present Advisor-Liz Johnson

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Our Membership

VSLA’s regular membership includes over ____ people currently active in open water rescue within Volusia County. “Open water” means the natural aquatic environment. VSLA membership includes over ___ junior lifeguards participating in youth programs sponsored by VSLA and the Volusia County Division of Beach Safety. In addition to these members, VSLA’s membership includes alumni members (former lifeguards), Associate Members (any wishing affiliate support VSLA) and Life Members especially selected by the Board of Directors based on lifetime contributions to the VSLA).

 

Lifesaving Competition

In an ongoing effort to promote physical fitness and preparedness among lifeguards, the VSLA participates in both regional and national championships held by the United States Lifesaving Association.

 

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