Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Shift to Winter Staffing, Towers Off the Beach

Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will shift to winter staffing levels Monday, Oct. 16. At that time, lifeguard towers will be removed from the beach until the 2024 lifeguard season. Lifeguards will maintain a presence on Pensacola Beach throughout the winter at Casino Beach and via patrol vehicles.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution when visiting the beach and swimming in the Gulf, especially when lifeguards are not present.

On Dec. 9 and 16, the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will be holding tryouts at the UWF Aquatic Center. Instructions on how to apply to become a Pensacola Beach lifeguard will be given at the tryouts. Learn more about tryout information and requirements here.

Follow the posted beach condition flag warnings:

• Green Flag - This 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," no swimming or wading. Entering the Gulf of Mexico to swim or wade during red flag conditions is illegal in Escambia County.
• Double red flags - Only used during hurricanes and other natural disasters. No swimming, wading or surfing in the Gulf of Mexico. Entering the Gulf of Mexico during double red flag conditions is illegal in Escambia County.
• Purple flag - Indicates "dangerous marine wildlife" may be present. Please use caution when entering the water.

Follow all Pensacola Beach rules, including:

• Glass containers are not allowed on the beach.
• The west side of the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is an alcohol-free zone.
• Open containers are not allowed off the boardwalk or outside any establishment.
• No alcohol can be consumed in any parking lot on Santa Rosa Island.
• Dogs other than service animals are not permitted on any of the beaches except in designated dog parks. View complete rules and boundaries for Pensacola Beach dog parks here.

For daily flag conditions and more information about Pensacola Beach Lifeguards, visit the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards page on MyEscambia.com, the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook or the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Instagram.