SWFD Beach Safety Season 2025
South Walton Florida
#SWFDNews | 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.
South Walton Florida
#SWFDNews | 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 shore️Follow 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.
