According to the recent issue of the Walton Sun, there are two proposals being considered for Walton County to place Lifeguards on its beaches. What's your opinion on the subject? Should SoWal have Lifeguards or not?
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Lifeguards for South Walton?
- Thread starter lenzoe
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lenzoe said:
If there were lifeguards, would they be on the beach on red flag days? Last time we visited there were several of those and many people were swimming anyway. It worried me.
Coming from a tourist...an extra pair of eyes looking out for my children is an added plus.
I voted "yes." I don't think tourists "get" the seriousness of rip tides. I agree with adults being responsible for their actions but I agree about one more pair of eyes watching my (and everyone else's) youngsters! I keep an eagle's eye at the beach, but unfortunately, sometimes others do not. :roll:
I wouldn't mind nearby professional help. But the other hand, there is so much beach I don't see how you could provide lifeguard coverage in the traditional sense. And frankly, whether it's at the pool or in the Gulf, I don't trust anyone else to watch for my kids anyway.
I don't let my kids go in without asking me, I won't let them go in on red flags, and when they are in, I always have either a boogie board and a life jacket nearby, or my kayak ready if I need to go in after them.
Like someone else pointed out, often it's the dads or strangers that jump in after the kids and get in trouble themselves.
I don't let my kids go in without asking me, I won't let them go in on red flags, and when they are in, I always have either a boogie board and a life jacket nearby, or my kayak ready if I need to go in after them.
Like someone else pointed out, often it's the dads or strangers that jump in after the kids and get in trouble themselves.
GVM said:
I was just thinking the same thing.
lenzoe said:
And THAT'S exactly why people need to heed the flags. Wasn't it just last week four Okaloosa County Firemen had to be rescued while attempting to rescue visitors? Lifeguards, while nice, are not the answer. The TDC has done a good job, IMO, of getting the word out about the flags. Brochures are everywhere, our rental company puts them in every rental for each new arrival, and it's discussed with the renters during the reservation process. Pay attention and be responsible.
Doesn't it always seem that surfers end up rescuing the most victims? Maybe we need more surfers
Yes. Be kind to surfer dudes. And kayaking dudes too.chrisv said:Doesn't it always seem that surfers end up rescuing the most victims? Maybe we need more surfers
chrisv said:
Prior to takeoff on a commercial airliner, they discuss safety information, yet no one seems to pay attention.
chrisv said:Doesn't it always seem that surfers end up rescuing the most victims? Maybe we need more surfers
--another type of "professional" surfer. They would probably do the job for less money than lifeguards.
Smiling JOe said:
That's an idea! Start promoting SoWal as a surf mecca!