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Beauford

Beach Lover
Jun 23, 2015
126
76
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
 

Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,249
9,279
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
South Walton Fire District Lifeguards Take to the Beach

South Walton Fire District (SWFD) lifeguards will report to their FOURTEEN (14) tower locations March 1, 2018 and will continue to staff them until the end of the season on September 30, 2018.

This is the 13th year that SWFD and South Walton Tourist Development Council have partnered to provide the Beach Safety and Education Program. In addition, 2018 marks the 4th year of partnership between SWFD and Sandestin Owners Association (SOA) and the 2nd year between SWFD and Rosemary Beach Owners Association (ROA).

New lifeguards completed their initial 104-hour training academy, while returning guards completed their recertification. The training consists of medical training, surf rescue techniques and 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. 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.

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