Firefighters in Melbourne Beach now have a better way to get life-saving equipment on the sand.

  • New path cleared for firefighters to access Melbourne Beach
  • Path is at Ocean Avenue beach access
  • Firefighters will be able to get vehicles on beach quicker

Workers on Friday cleared the way for a new path at the Ocean Avenue beach access near State Road A1A.

It will allow the town's volunteer firefighters to get their ATV and wave-runners into the area quicker as they respond to emergencies involving beach-goers.

The existing gate is old and rusted and required firefighters to squeeze through, soaking up precious seconds when they count the most.

"We're the only marine rescue unit that is part of a fire department from here to the inlet, so it's important for us to get down on the beach quickly with our Jet-Skis when there is an emergency," said Deputy Chief Gavin Brown of the Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

The $3,000 project was paid for with donations made to the 25-member, all-volunteer department.