SWFD South Walton Lifeguards Return to the Beach Mar 1

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SWFD Beach Safety Season 2025
South Walton Florida

Beach Access Map for South Walton 30A Lifeguard Locations

SOUTH WALTON FIRE DISTRICT LIFEGUARDS RETURN TO THE BEACH MARCH 1 FOR START OF 2025 BEACH SAFETY SEASON

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. --- After months of preparation, physical training, program enhancements, and equipment maintenance, South Walton Fire District lifeguards are returning to the beach for the start of the 2025 Beach Safety Season.

Lifeguards will staff 15 towers daily across 26 miles from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning March 1, 2025, through October 31. The responsibilities of seasonal and full-time staff include responding to medical and water-related emergencies, public education, drowning prevention, water observation, and customer service for South Walton’s residents and visitors.

“We have spent the winter months recruiting and adding staff, improving our medical skills and equipment, and even creating opportunities for additional lifeguard towers in areas where we previously didn’t have coverage,” said SWFD Beach Safety Director David Vaughan. “It’s hard to believe the 2025 season is already here, but we’re ready, and we know we have the support of our community behind us.”

As the season begins, SWFD shares the following safety tips:

️Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower. According to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA): “Reports from lifeguard agencies nationwide consistently show that the odds of a swimmer fatally drowning at a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million (0000055%).”
️Respect the power and unpredictability of the open water. Anyone who is not a strong swimmer should stay on shore
️Follow the beach flag warning system. To sign up for beach flag text updates, text SAFETY to 31279.
️If caught in a rip current, do not panic. Staying calm and allowing yourself to float are the keys to survival. Wave back to shore for help. Strong swimmers can swim parallel to shore to break out of the rip current.
️Follow South Walton Fire District on social media (@swfdinfo) to stay up to date on beach safety information.

SWFD continues hiring seasonal lifeguards at $21/hour for the 2025 season. Any interested candidates should email career@swfd.org to learn more.

 

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#SWFDNews | SOUTH WALTON FIRE DISTRICT AND ALYS BEACH ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP FOR PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARD SERVICES

ALYS BEACH, Fla. --- The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) and Alys Beach are proud to announce their partnership to provide professional beach lifeguard services for the town’s homeowners and vacation guests beginning March 1, 2025.

The Alys Beach Neighborhood Association (ANBA) and SWFD finalized the agreement for services in February 2025. It’s a multi-year initiative, funded by the ABNA, that underscores the town’s commitment to a safe and enhanced beach experience.

“By creating this relationship with Alys Beach, we are increasing our footprint and improving our ability to provide coverage within a stretch of beach that was previously unguarded,” said SWFD Beach Safety Director David Vaughan. “A dedicated, staffed lifeguard tower means enhanced water supervision and public education for Alys Beach, as well as faster medical care and emergency response capabilities.”

The tower will be staffed daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., during the 2025 Beach Safety Season, which begins in South Walton on March 1 and runs through October 31. The location of this tower is a historic addition for SWFD, as it will be stationed within a seven-mile stretch of beach where towers have not been located in the past.

“That lifeguard’s primary responsibility will be to take care of Alys Beach’s residents and visitors through prevention and education,” Vaughan said. “They provide a high level of medical training, customer service, and are a steward of our community, as well as public safety.”

As the 2025 Beach Safety Season begins, SWFD and Alys Beach encourage those visiting the beach to swim near a staffed lifeguard tower and follow the beach flag warning system.

For more beach safety information, follow SWFD on social media or visit www.swfd.org.

 

[Teresa]

#SWFDNews | SOUTH WALTON FIRE DISTRICT AND SEASIDE PARTNER TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARD SERVICES

SEASIDE, Fla. --- The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) and Seaside, FL are proud to announce their partnership to provide professional beach lifeguard services for SEASIDE® homeowners and vacation guests beginning March 11, 2025.

The contractual agreement for services was finalized following discussions between the two entities about the critical need for enhancing beach safety within SEASIDE® after the closure of the Van Ness Butler Regional Beach Access in 2024.

“The closure unfortunately created a three-mile gap between our lifeguard towers in Seagrove Beach and Grayton Beach,” said SWFD Fire Chief Ryan Crawford. “Seaside has stepped up to provide its residents and visitors with lifeguard protection, which allows us to more effectively prevent and respond to emergencies in an area with a historically high call volume.”

The beach will be staffed daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., during the 2025 Beach Safety Season, which includes extended hours during peak times.

“Our goal is to provide peace of mind for everyone who enjoys our beaches, knowing that professional lifeguards are on duty to keep them safe," said Kevin Boyle, Seaside Community Development Corp. General Manager. "I have the utmost respect for Beach Safety Director David Vaughan, Fire Chief Ryan Crawford, and Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez for their unwavering dedication to protecting our community. Their leadership has been instrumental in making this agreement possible, and we are grateful for their partnership. We also applaud Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Sandestin, and others for paving the way with similar agreements, setting a strong precedent for proactive beach safety measures across our region.”

SWFD and SEASIDE® encourage those visiting the beach to swim near a lifeguard and follow the beach flag warning system. For more beach safety information, follow SWFD on social media or visit www.swfd.org.

 

[Teresa]

#SWFDNews | SOUTH WALTON FIRE DISTRICT AND WATERCOLOR FINALIZE AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARD SERVICES

WATERCOLOR, Fla. --- The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) and WaterColor Community Homeowners Association are excited to announce their official agreement to provide professional beach lifeguard services in WaterColor beginning April 15, 2025.

This is a multi-year agreement funded by the WaterColor Community Association establishing dedicated lifeguard protection each day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During peak times and rough surf conditions, lifeguards also provide extended coverage hours as needed.

“Our partnership with SWFD allows us to elevate the safety and well-being of both residents and guests enjoying WaterColor’s beaches,” said Jacob Marshall, Executive Director of the WaterColor Community Association. “We’re grateful for the SWFD’s professionalism and leadership, both in forming this partnership and in their ongoing efforts that make a lifesaving impact across our county. We encourage all beachgoers to stay informed, follow posted safety guidelines, and remain aware of South Walton’s beach flag system.”

With the finalization of this agreement, SWFD has added three towers to its operations since the start of the 2025 Beach Safety Season on March 1, bringing the total number of lifeguard towers to 17. This agreement specifically bridges a gap for lifeguards to work on-site at WaterColor in an area where they haven’t been located before.

“Another community has come on-board recognizing the positive impact lifeguards can have,” said SWFD Beach Safety Director David Vaughan. “This community is giving us the opportunity to increase our footprint, provide better education, and improve response times. It’s even sweeter this year to see these additional towers come to fruition as we are celebrating our 20th Season of Beach Safety in South Walton. The growth of services is due, and we are excited for what’s ahead.”

Follow SWFD on social media or visit www.swfd.org to learn more.