Lifeguards on Duty Beginning March 9

NavarreBeach lifeguard season begins Saturday, March 9. Initially, two lifeguards will be on duty Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and four lifeguards on Saturdays and Sundays; all from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Staff will monitor the number of swimmers at the public gulf-side beach areas, manning the one-to- two towers with the greatest need. As the number of swimmers increase, lifeguard staffing will increase to 10 or 12 providing coverage seven days a week at all four lifeguard towers. Lifeguard season ends on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Applications for lifeguards are currently being accepted athttp://agency.governmentjobs.com/santarosa/default.cfm.

When enjoyingNavarre’s beaches, residents and visitors are asked to exercise caution and use common sense, including heeding the warnings of beach flags:

• Green Flag- means “low hazard,” but you should still exercise caution
• Yellow flag- indicates “moderate surf and conditions” such as rip currents, swimmers should exercise careful caution when entering the water
• Red flag -“strong currents and high surf” and you are not advised to enter the water
• 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.
• Purple flag- indicates “dangerous marine wildlife” maybe present. Please use caution when entering the water.

Beach conditions can be checked on the county’s website atwww.santarosa.fl.gov.

Additionally, beach goers are urged to follow these simple beach safety tips:

• Swim near a lifeguard tower. OnNavarreBeach there are four towers located gulf-side – two near the Navarre Beach Pier and two insideNavarreBeachPark.
• Learn to swim and 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 times are when sharks feed.
• During thunderstorms move inside to a building or vehicle.
• Scuba dive only if trained and certified, and within the limits of your training.
• 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 theNavarreBeach office at(850)936-6110