Beach Safety Current Events

Feb 14-15 Returning Lifeguards swam 500 yds,ran 1 mile and completed a 600 yd run/swim/run for physical evaluations before the start of the 2012 season.

 The Department of Public Safety’s Beach Safety Division provides rapid Surf Rescue and Basic and Advanced Life Support medical care to the 3.5 miles of guarded and 4 miles of unguarded beaches on Okaloosa Island. The division is comprised of a staff of 24 Lifeguards who protect Okaloosa County beaches. During the “Beach Season”, March through October, seasonal lifeguard towers at ten different locations on Okaloosa Island are staffed by Division Lifeguards while the guarded and unguarded areas are patrolled by the Senior Lifeguard staff. In the off season, November through February, the Senior staff maintains limited lifeguard patrols on Okaloosa Island as well as participates in training exercises and maintenance activities. The Division also provides lifeguard and medical coverage for water related special events held locally such as triathlons and boat and jet-ski races as well as regional response to water related disasters such as floods and hurricane events.