By Nate Kelly, Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. Jul. 12--Whether it's a matter of more people on the beach or more rescue personnel patrolling the beach, this year is seeing twice as many water rescues as compared to last year's numbers.

By Sean Boone, Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. Jun. 7--The South Walton Fire District begins its fi rst ever Junior Lifeguard Program on June 17 -- training children from ages 9-15 the fundamentals of being safe and aware on the water.

By Joyce Owen, Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. Mar. 8--As the South Walton Fire District Beach Safety program begins its third year providing lifeguards at regional beach accesses, a pilot program could give lifeguards a lift.

By Joyce Owen, Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. Sep. 15--On Tuesday afternoon, a Slidell, La. woman swimming in the Gulf of Mexico near Surfside condos was in distress. Her husband, Gregory Carson, and son, Dominique Chatman, were in the water and went to assist her. They too got in trouble.

By Heather Civil, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach Jul. 30--DESTIN -- Matthew Wise is following in his father's footsteps.