Lifeguards to Patrol County Beaches for Three More Years

By Gabriel Tynes, Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

Jan. 13–Walton County Commissioners extended the contract for lifeguard services with the South Walton Fire Department Tuesday. The agreement prolongs the lifeguard presence at seven Walton County beach stations for another three years, with options to add more manned areas at negotiated prices. The new contract guarantees the SWFD $560,000 annually through Sept. 2009, an increase of more than $100,000 over last year. “We’re very happy,” said Gary Wise, SWFD beach safety director. “A large percentage of last year’s lifeguards will be returning, and we are looking at hiring eight to 10 more.” 2006 marked the first year lifeguards had a presence on Walton County beaches. The program was implemented last January after six people drowned on Walton County beaches on a single day in 2003. A rash of other drownings along the panhandle gave the area nationwide attention as having some of the most dangerous beaches in the nation. Neighboring Okaloosa and Escambia counties also implemented similar programs in the past five years. Twenty-one drownings were reported between April 2000 and Aug. 31, 2003, but since adding lifeguards, there haven’t been any reported drownings on patrolled beaches in the Panhandle. The SWFD reported that of the 104,395 visitors to the beach last year, the lifeguards made 51,828 informative contacts, 10,075 preventative actions, 21 rescues, and eight major medical assists. Wise said the additional funds will help pay for the added positions and new ATVs. Full-time lifeguards are paid $12.50 per hour out of a budget created from tourism taxes. According to Wise, this year’s lifeguard force will consist of 24 full-time positions and six parttime. Tryouts will begin March 1 for a season that begins March 11 and lasts until the final weekend in September. Anyone interested in joining the lifeguard team can contact the SWFD.

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Copyright (c) 2007, Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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