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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesThe Pensacola Beach Lifeguards welcome residents and visitors to join them in recognizing National Beach Safety Week, held May 19-26, 2025. The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing National Beach Safety Week at the May 15 BCC meeting.
Escambia County is home to beautiful coastal and inland beaches that attract tourists and locals alike to enjoy the warm water, soft sand and breathtaking views. While the beach resembles enjoyment, relaxation, clarity, and peace of mind, the aquatic environment has dangers, particularly rip currents, that can be effectively managed through public awareness and the vigilance of professional lifeguards.
"The Pensacola Beach
Lifeguards are excited for the return of the summer beach season and have
gotten off to a busy start as schools are out of session and tourists take
their vacations at our beaches," said Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood. "While this week is National Beach Safety Week, every
visitor to the beach, regardless of when you’re visiting, should always swim in
a lifeguarded area and swim with caution. Together, let’s make the next ‘100 days of
summer’ a memorable and safe one.”
Before heading to the beach, residents and visitors are encouraged to check the surf conditions by visiting MyEscambia.com/pensacolabeachlifeguards, checking the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page, or signing up for text alerts for daily surf conditions by texting “PBFLAGS” to 888-777.
Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that are caused by breaks in the sandbar just offshore. Currents flowing away from the coast move fastest where the sandbar is reduced or not present and the water is deeper. They are the greatest danger to beach patrons and account for more than 80% of water rescues performed by lifeguards.
Escambia County strongly urges all beach patrons to remain near a lifeguard. Even when a green flag is flying, there is still a rip current risk.
If caught in a rip current, a swimmer can escape by swimming sideways to the direction the current is pulling them, or parallel to the shore. If the current is too strong, a swimmer should go with the flow of the current until it weakens, then swim back to shore at an angle away from the rip current. Click here to watch a video on rip currents from the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards.
Penascola Beach Flag System
The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards fly surf warning flags in several locations along Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. The colored flag system measures the following surf risks:
Beach patrons are advised that the absence of a beach flag in their location does not assure water safety. For daily flag conditions and more information about Pensacola Beach Lifeguards, visit the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards page on MyEscambia.com or the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook. Click here to watch our lifeguards explain the flag system on Pensacola Beach.
Sign Up for Pensacola Beach Surf Warning Flag Text Alerts
The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards send out daily surf warning flag text alerts to update daily beach conditions. If beach conditions change throughout the day, a separate text is sent to reflect the change.
To sign up, text “PBFLAGS” TO 888-777.
Once registered, a confirmation text from Everbridge Nixle Alerts will be sent along with a welcome message from the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards. Respond to the text message with your email address to receive email alerts. Text "STOP" to 888-777 to discontinue receiving daily notifications.
Hole-Digging Safety
While digging holes at the beach is common, beach patrons are urged to refill the holes before leaving. Holes can be difficult to see when walking on the beach, leading to possible injury. Beach patrons are also encouraged to avoid digging deep holes to avoid a possible collapse, leading to entrapment. Additionally, sea turtles frequently nest along Escambia County beaches, and sea turtle hatchlings could get trapped if they fall into deep holes. Click here to watch a video from Escambia County Public Safety about beach hole safety.
For more information about Pensacola Beach Lifeguards, visit the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards page on MyEscambia.com or the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook and Instagram pages.
Pensacola Beach Lifeguards accept the proclamation for National Beach Safety Week
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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