South Walton Fire District (SWFD) lifeguards will report to their ten tower locations this (nine are public accesses) Saturday March 8, 2014 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. This is the 9th season that the Beach Safety and Education Program, a partnership between the SWFD and the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC), will be in place.
New and returning lifeguards are completing their annual training academy this week. The 84 hour academy consists of medical, surf rescue techniques, beach and water surveillance techniques, strength and stamina conditioning, SWFD policies/procedures and communications.
“With the current weather conditions, training at this time of year in the Gulf is critical and SWFD is proud of our new lifeguard team, who are committed to keeping our beaches and our community safe,” said Gary Wise, beach safety director.
For further information, please contact Sammy Sanchez, Fire Marshal at 850-267-1298 or visit our website at www.swfd.org.
Beach access locations with lifeguards from west to east:
Miramar Beach Access (2)- ::MAP::
Two towers located on Scenic Gulf Drive off of U.S. 98 in western Walton County
• Lifeguards (two towers) • Restrooms • Parking • ADA access with wheelchair available
Sandestin Hilton – ::MAP:: Located within the Sandestin property (not a public access)
• Lifeguards
Dune Allen Access – ::MAP::
Located west of County Road 393 on Scenic Hwy. 30A
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Parking • Handicap access
Ed Walline Access – ::MAP::
Located at the intersection of 393 and Scenic Hwy. 30A
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Parking • ADA access with wheelchair available
Gulfview Heights Access – ::MAP::
Located 1/2 mile east of intersection County Roads 393 and Scenic Hwy. 30A, turn south on Gulfview Heights Street
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Parking
Blue Mountain Beach Access – ::MAP::
Located at the south end of CR 83 • Lifeguards • Restrooms • Limited Parking
Van Ness Butler, Jr. Access – ::MAP::
Located between Seaside and WaterColor on Scenic Hwy. 30A
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Ample parking on the north side of Scenic Hwy. 30A
Grove Road/Santa Clara Street – ::MAP::
Seagrove on Scenic Hwy. 30A
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Parking • ADA access with wheelchair available
Inlet Beach Access – ::MAP::
Located 3/4 mile east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and Scenic Hwy. 30A, turn south on Orange Street
• Lifeguards • Portable restrooms • Parking