SoWal Lifeguard Season Starts March 1 with Towers at these 10 Locations

[Kurt]

South Walton Fire Department (SWFD) will supply lifeguard coverage within sight distance of the lifeguard tower at the following ten (10) Public Regional Access points (from east to west):

Inlet Beach, 438 S. Orange Street - Access 2B, Inlet Beach

Santa Clara, 3468 E Co Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

Van Ness Butler Jr, 1931 E. Co. Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

Grayton Beach, 288 Garfield St, Santa Rosa Beach

Blue Mountain Beach, 2365 S. Co. Hwy 83, Santa Rosa Beach

Gulfview Heights, 186 Gulfview Heights St, Santa Rosa Beach

Ed Walline, 4447 W. Co. Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

Dune Allen, 5753 W. Co. Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

Miramar Beach, 2375 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach

Geronimo Street, 735 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach

See the locations and others on the South Walton Beach Access Map >>>

 

[Kurt]

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners voted at the scheduled BCC meeting on Tuesday, January 8 to approve a new contract with the South Walton Fire District that will extend lifeguard coverage of the beaches year-round. The new contract extends the peak summer levels of lifeguard staffing through October 31st (previously, the number of lifeguards on duty was reduced at the end of September) and also includes funding for 8 lifeguard staff to be kept on salary year-round.

“This extension is a great step for South Walton, reflecting the increase in visitation that we have seen over recent years,” says Visit South Walton Communications Director, David Demarest. “As we work to strengthen the local economy by encouraging visitation during the shoulder seasons, that success also make it necessary for us to continue to support and increase amenities that benefit locals and visitors alike.”

The new contract includes an allocation for new equipment purchases and will take effect March 1, 2019 at a cost of $1.59 million for the first year, decreasing annually to $1.38 million by the 3rd year, as scheduled equipment purchases decrease each year.

The Walton County TDC funds 10 lifeguard towers as part of their support of the Walton County lifeguard program.

 

[Teresa]

South Walton Fire District Lifeguards Take To The Beach

South Walton Fire District (SWFD) lifeguards reported to their FOURTEEN (14) tower locations today March 1, 2019 and will end the regular season on October 31, 2019.

Beginning November 2019, SWFD will provide limited off-season coverage with the addition of 5 year-round staff.

This is the 14th year that SWFD and South Walton Tourist Development Council have partnered to provide the Beach Safety and Education Program. In addition, 2019 marks the 5th year of partnership between SWFD and Sandestin Owners Association (SOA) and the 3rd year between SWFD and Rosemary Beach Owners Association (ROA).

New lifeguards completed their initial 104-hour training academy, while returning guards completed their re-certification. The training consists of medical training, surf rescue techniques, beach and water surveillance techniques along with complete strength and stamina conditioning.

“Keeping our visitors safe is our top priority. We are proud of the men and women that have completed this rigorous training and are ready to protect our beach visitors”, said David Vaughan Beach Safety Director.

SWFD lifeguards will be on duty every day from 10am-6pm. During Holidays and rough surf conditions, guards will be staffed to meet additional needs for coverage.

For further information, including tower locations and lifeguard employment, please contact David Vaughan, Beach Safety Director at 850-267-1298 or visit our website at www.swfd.org.