Hollywood Officials Propose Shoreline Buoys, Raising Concerns Among Swimmers and Divers

The plan aims to improve safety, but some worry it could create a dangerous boat traffic lane.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:08pm

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A highly stylized, pop art-inspired grid of brightly colored lifeguard buoys, capturing the tension between public safety and recreational use of coastal areas.As officials weigh new safety measures, the debate over coastal access and recreational use intensifies in this Florida beach community.Hollywood Today

The city of Hollywood, Florida is considering adding buoys along its shoreline to create a "vessel exclusion zone" and keep boats at least 218 yards from shore. Officials say the buoys would serve as a visual boundary for boaters and help protect swimmers and divers, especially near the city's artificial reef. However, some divers are concerned the plan could unintentionally create a lane for increased boat traffic between the shore and reef.

Why it matters

This proposal highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public safety and recreational use of coastal areas. While the city aims to reduce water rescues and protect swimmers and divers, some worry the buoys could have unintended consequences that put those same groups at greater risk.

The details

The city originally considered placing the buoys 300 yards from shore but opted for a closer 218-yard placement to avoid damaging natural reef areas. If approved, the project would require state permitting, which could take up to a year. Officials said boats are already coming too close to shore and some swimmers venture farther than they can safely handle, leading to water rescues.

  • The Hollywood city commission is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • If approved, the state permitting process could take up to a year.

The players

Joann Hussey

The communications director for the city of Hollywood.

Heather Schueler

A Hollywood resident and diver who is concerned about the proposal.

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What they’re saying

“By having these buoys, it's a visual indicator that people know where to stay offshore and where people are diving.”

— Joann Hussey, Communications Director, City of Hollywood

“It's going to create a boat traffic lane between the shore and the reef, where we are going.”

— Heather Schueler, Diver, Hollywood Resident

What’s next

If the Hollywood city commission approves the proposal, the next step will be to begin the state permitting process, which could take up to a year.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the ongoing tension between public safety and recreational use of coastal areas. While the city aims to improve safety, some locals are concerned the plan could have unintended consequences that put swimmers and divers at greater risk. Balancing these competing interests will be crucial as the project moves forward.