While most folks plan to rest and relax during spring break, that is not the case for local lifeguards. News 13's Peyton LoCicero tells us, that South Walton Fire District lifeguards are ready for the first wave of spring breakers.
With millions of people expected to hit South Walton's beaches, this spring break season, lifeguards know this job is not all fun in the sun.
"It is crucial. It enables our guards to have fun while they are doing their job but, doing so professionally and effectively. So, that the public can have full confidence when they come out here to the beach, that they are protected," said David Vaughan, SWFD Beach Safety Director.
These South Walton lifeguards have been preparing on the beach and in the classroom for weeks. Each guard must complete 108 hours of training before taking to the stand.
"Starting March first we will have all 14 towers will be manned. We will have an average of 22 to 32 guards per day," said Vaughn.
Lifeguards will watch the water during the busy spring break season to help prevent drownings and water emergencies.
"We had record numbers last year and we are anticipating, and all forecast show that we are going to have record numbers again this year," explained Vaughan.
Last year, South Walton lifeguards performed 87 water rescues, 771 public assists and more than 200-thousand preventative actions during the 2017 lifeguard season.
"It's not a matter of if, it is when we are called out to respond out in those areas, that we are ready for it," said Vaughan.
With safety in mind, beach officials recommend that visitors and locals, swim within sight of a lifeguard stand and always obey the safety warning flags.
South Walton beach officials reported, for the past 12 seasons, they have had zero drownings on guarded beaches. They said they hope to make it a 13th year in 2018.
SoWal Lifeguards Prepare for First Wave of Spring Breakers
With millions of people expected to hit South Walton's beaches, this spring break season, lifeguards know this job is not all fun in the sun.
"It is crucial. It enables our guards to have fun while they are doing their job but, doing so professionally and effectively. So, that the public can have full confidence when they come out here to the beach, that they are protected," said David Vaughan, SWFD Beach Safety Director.
These South Walton lifeguards have been preparing on the beach and in the classroom for weeks. Each guard must complete 108 hours of training before taking to the stand.
"Starting March first we will have all 14 towers will be manned. We will have an average of 22 to 32 guards per day," said Vaughn.
Lifeguards will watch the water during the busy spring break season to help prevent drownings and water emergencies.
"We had record numbers last year and we are anticipating, and all forecast show that we are going to have record numbers again this year," explained Vaughan.
Last year, South Walton lifeguards performed 87 water rescues, 771 public assists and more than 200-thousand preventative actions during the 2017 lifeguard season.
"It's not a matter of if, it is when we are called out to respond out in those areas, that we are ready for it," said Vaughan.
With safety in mind, beach officials recommend that visitors and locals, swim within sight of a lifeguard stand and always obey the safety warning flags.
South Walton beach officials reported, for the past 12 seasons, they have had zero drownings on guarded beaches. They said they hope to make it a 13th year in 2018.
SoWal Lifeguards Prepare for First Wave of Spring Breakers