Pensacola Beach Experiencing Lifeguard Shortage With School In-Session

As students have returned to the classroom, so have many of the Pensacola Beach lifeguards, leaving Pensacola Beach with limited lifeguards between the months of September and May. 

Visitors of Pensacola Beach are encouraged to stay near the lifeguards while on the beach, especially in the areas that are most populated. 

"We plan to staff Casino Beach seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. through 6:30 p.m.," said Pensacola Beach Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood. "All sections of the beach are open, and I would not advise anyone to avoid any particular area. Just remember that the safest area to swim is with a lifeguard present."

Lifeguard shortages during the school year are not uncommon at Pensacola Beach. Many of the Pensacola Beach lifeguards are either in high school, college or recently graduated. Once school is out of session, staffing on Pensacola Beach increases.

"Staffing will increase again in May, once the school session has completed," said Greenwood. 

As of Labor Day, Pensacola Beach lifeguards are no longer patrolling beaches owned by the Gulf Islands National Seashore, including Opal Beach in the Santa Rosa area, Langdon Beach in the Fort Pickens area and Johnson Beach in the Perdido Beach area. Swimmers are encouraged to swim at their own risk in those areas.