South Walton Fire District lifeguards take to the beach Mar. 12

March 9, 2011

inletlifeguard21South Walton Fire District lifeguards will report to eight beach accesses

The Beach Safety and Education Program, a partnership between the SWFD and the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC), has begun its 6th season.

The annual training academy lasts 80 hours and consists of medical, surf rescue techniques, beach and water surveillance techniques, strength and stamina conditioning, Fire District policies/procedures and communications. “Training at this time of year in the Gulf is particularly challenging due to the cold water and weather temperatures and the District 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 Sean Hughes, Deputy Chief at 850-267-1298 or visit the SWFD website at www.swfd.org.

Beach parks with easy access, parking, lifeguards and restroom facilities

Walton County’s beaches in Miramar Beach and along Scenic Highway 30A offer many public beach accesses. However, lifeguards patrol only eight locations. These eight locations offer adequate parking, restroom facilities and three offer handicap access with wheelchairs available: Ed Walline at the corner of Scenic Hwy. 30A and CR 393, and Bramble Grove/Santa Clara Street in Seagrove and Miramar, near Pompano Joe’s on Scenic Gulf Drive.

Lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., seven days a week from the second Saturday in March until the last Sunday in September.

Here is a list of beach access locations with lifeguards from west to east:

Miramar Beach Access – click here for map

Located on Scenic Gulf Drive off of U.S. 98 in western Walton County
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Parking • ADA access with wheelchair available

Dune Allen Access – click here for map

Located west of County Road 393 on Scenic Hwy. 30A
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Parking • Handicap access

Ed Walline has parking, restrooms and lifeguards during the summer season.
Ed Walline has parking, restrooms and lifeguards.

Ed Walline Access – click here for map

Located at the intersection of 393 and Scenic Hwy. 30A
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Parking • ADA access with wheelchair available

Gulfview Heights Access– click here for 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 – click here for map Located at the south end of CR 83 • Lifeguards • Restrooms • Limited Parking

Vann Ness access has ample parking and restrooms on the north of CR30A.
Vann Ness Butler access has ample parking and restrooms on the north of Scenic Hwy. 30A between WaterColor and Seaside.

Van Ness Butler, Jr. Access – click here for map

Located between Seaside and WaterColor on Scenic Hwy. 30A
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Ample parking lot on the north side of Scenic Hwy. 30A

Grove Road/Santa Clara Street – click here for map

Seagrove on Scenic Hwy. 30A
• Lifeguards • Restrooms • Parking • ADA access with wheelchair available

Inlet Beach Access – click here for 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