Navarre Beach Lifeguard Season Ends

 Navarre Beach Lifeguard Season Ends October 30 

Lifeguard season ends on Navarre Beach on Sunday, October 30. The public beaches, including the areas next to the Navarre Beach Pier and the gulf side beaches of Navarre Beach Park , are guarded each year generally from March 1 to the end of October.   Flags noting the beach conditions will continue to be posted daily at each Navarre Beach public access area and online at www.santarosa.fl.gov .

 At the height of the season, 12 lifeguards safeguarded Navarre Beach . Six are currently on staff until October 30, manning lifeguard tower three located east of the Navarre Beach Pier. On the remaining weekends, lifeguard coverage expands to one additional tower based on where the largest population of swimmers is found. To date, lifeguards made 69 rescues in the 2011 season.

 When visiting Navarre Beach when no lifeguards are present, please follow these safety tips:

• Know and understand the meaning of each flag found in the beach warning flag system.

o         Green Flag- means “low hazard,” but you should still exercise caution

o         Yellow flag- indicates “moderate surf and conditions” such as rip currents, swimmers should exercise careful caution when entering the water

o         Red flag -“strong currents and high surf” and you are not advised to enter the water  

o         Double red flags- the water is closed for swimming. Conditions are extremely dangerous and lifeguards will not be entering the water to rescue you if something were to happen.

o         Purple flag- indicates “dangerous marine wildlife” maybe present. Please use caution when entering the water.

• Never swim alone.
• Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present.
• Don’t rely on flotation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water.
• Alcohol and swimming don’t mix.
• Protect your head, neck, and spine- don’t dive into unfamiliar waters- feet first, first time!
• Don’t swim at dawn, dusk or at night as these are times when sharks feed.
• During thunderstorms move inside to a building or vehicle.
• No glass containers at the beach. Broken glass and bare feet don’t mix.
• No beach fires- fire residue and superheated sand can severely burn bare feet.
• Report hazardous conditions to lifeguards or other beach management personnel at (850) 936-6110 .