With enthusiastic and well-trained lifeguards on duty, Pensacola Beach welcomes you to enjoy the exquisite white sand and blue water, and rest assured, you’re in good hands. When asked why he likes being a lifeguard, Paul Louy considers his five years of experience and says, "You work outdoors with a beautiful environment and get to help people."
Pensacola Beach lifeguards, who refer to themselves as "guardians of the Gulf" cover eight miles of beaches with 34 patrol trucks out every weekend. Each day, lifeguards watch over visitors from their towers along Casino Beach, Ft. Pickens Gate, Quietwater Beach and Park East.
The lifeguard office, located directly on the sand by the pier, is well-equipped for any assistance that beach-comers may need. Inside is a medical room where overheating, breathing problems, stings and bites can be treated. Each lifeguard stand holds a bottle of vinegar for treating an occasional jellyfish sting.
While the average work day lasts from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., lifeguards extend their hours from 7 a.m. – nightfall. when red flags are flying. "Pay attention and read the signs," advises senior lifeguard Council Vaughan. "Flags are there for a reason. If it’s red, it’s dangerous, so stay out of the water."
Holiday weekends, like this past Memorial Day weekend, require around two dozen lifeguards be on duty. Whether a rookie or seasoned lifeguard, everyone goes through extensive training and must re-qualify annually by passing physical fitness tests. Louy encourages visitors: "Come talk to a lifeguard, and we would be happy to share any safety information with you."
Stay tuned for a weekly blog from Senior Lifeguard Council Vaughan as he brings updates and information from Pensacola Beach to you.
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