Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will return to their towers on Wednesday, March 1, for the 2023 lifeguard season. Initially, one to three towers at Casino Beach will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, shifting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Sunday, March 12. As summer approaches, staffing will increase to provide coverage at up to 10 towers, including the towers at Gulf Islands National Seashore, which begin staffing Memorial Day weekend.
In preparation for the 2023 season, Pensacola Beach hired new lifeguards and welcomed returning ones who must complete a rigorous training program, including 80 hours of open water training, emergency medical training and more. On Saturday, March 18, the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will host a tryout in an effort to bring on more qualified lifeguards.
Public Safety encourages residents and visitors to follow all Pensacola Beach rules and exercise caution when visiting the beach and swimming in the Gulf, especially when lifeguards are not present:
- Follow the posted beach condition flag warnings. Click here to watch our lifeguards explain the flag system on Pensacola Beach.
- Check beach conditions before you go at PensacolaBeachLifeguards.com or on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page. Beach conditions can also be found 24/7 at Ask MyEscambia mobile-responsive webpage via this link.
- Know how to escape from a rip current. Watch our rip current video and learn how to break the rip’s grip, which can pull even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
- 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 beaches except in designated dog parks. View complete rules and boundaries for Pensacola Beach dog parks here.
