Lifeguards for South Walton?

According to the recent issue of the Walton Sun, there are two proposals being considered for Walton County to place Lifeguards on its beaches. What's your opinion on the subject? Should SoWal have Lifeguards or not?

If there were lifeguards, would they be on the beach on red flag days? Last time we visited there were several of those and many people were swimming anyway. It worried me.
Coming from a tourist...an extra pair of eyes looking out for my children is an added plus.

I voted "yes." I don't think tourists "get" the seriousness of rip tides. I agree with adults being responsible for their actions but I agree about one more pair of eyes watching my (and everyone else's) youngsters! I keep an eagle's eye at the beach, but unfortunately, sometimes others do not. :roll:

Some of you long time residents...hasnt it been almost always adults who drown in riptides?

I wouldn't mind nearby professional help. But the other hand, there is so much beach I don't see how you could provide lifeguard coverage in the traditional sense. And frankly, whether it's at the pool or in the Gulf, I don't trust anyone else to watch for my kids anyway.

I don't let my kids go in without asking me, I won't let them go in on red flags, and when they are in, I always have either a boogie board and a life jacket nearby, or my kayak ready if I need to go in after them.

Like someone else pointed out, often it's the dads or strangers that jump in after the kids and get in trouble themselves.

Some of you long time residents...hasnt it been almost always adults who drown in riptides?

I was just thinking the same thing.

Like someone else pointed out, often it's the dads or strangers that jump in after the kids and get in trouble themselves.

And THAT'S exactly why people need to heed the flags. Wasn't it just last week four Okaloosa County Firemen had to be rescued while attempting to rescue visitors? Lifeguards, while nice, are not the answer. The TDC has done a good job, IMO, of getting the word out about the flags. Brochures are everywhere, our rental company puts them in every rental for each new arrival, and it's discussed with the renters during the reservation process. Pay attention and be responsible.

Doesn't it always seem that surfers end up rescuing the most victims? Maybe we need more surfers

Doesn't it always seem that surfers end up rescuing the most victims? Maybe we need more surfers

Yes. Be kind to surfer dudes. And kayaking dudes too.

...and it's discussed with the renters during the reservation process.

Prior to takeoff on a commercial airliner, they discuss safety information, yet no one seems to pay attention.

Doesn't it always seem that surfers end up rescuing the most victims? Maybe we need more surfers

--another type of "professional" surfer. They would probably do the job for less money than lifeguards.

--another type of "professional" surfer. They would probably do the job for less money than lifeguards.

That's an idea! Start promoting SoWal as a surf mecca!

In my Red Cross training many years ago it was taught that approaching a drowning victim without a flotation device is very risky. A panicked victim can take you both down.

It was taught that if you didn't have a float, incapacitate the victim if they are panicky so they can't cling to you and pin your arms. Even if this meant keeping your distance until the victim goes unconscious.

Doesn't it always seem that surfers end up rescuing the most victims? Maybe we need more surfers

The surfers do a lot of rescues in the summers to the point that there's a specific exemption in the Okaloosa County ordinance banning swimming during double red flag conditions that says they're allowed in the Gulf (everyone else can get ticketed) as long as they're leashed to their boards.

Last time we were there was early April. There were several red flag days in a row. The surf was fairly rough, there were a bunch of people in the water, and I had my kayak out 'cause I thought I might actually be able to help someone.

The kids wanted to go to the pool, though. When we got back a paramedic crew was right in front of our place working on a boogie-boarder that had been floating face-down (close to shore) but still strapped to his boogie board. A couple of other folks noticed and pulled him to shore. I heard he was okay.

So I missed my chance to play rescue dude.

It was taught that if you didn't have a float, incapacitate the victim if they are panicky so they can't cling to you and pin your arms. Even if this meant keeping your distance until the victim goes unconscious.

Yeah. My instructor said to slug them.

I have about as much floatation ability as a rock. Long time ago one of my swimming instructors claimed anyone could float, but I proved her wrong. If I don't keep moving, I sink. I'm a good swimmer, but I would never go after someone else without floatation.

Yeah. My instructor said to slug them.

Good to see that the Red Cross is consistent in their training- I was taught the same thing!

I voted no. I'm tired of the man keepin me down. (or afloat )

I just don't think it's gonna happen.