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

The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards have shifted to winter staffing levels and lifeguard towers have been removed from the beach until the 2026 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.  

The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will be holding tryouts on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 20 at the UWF Aquatic Center, located at 11000 University Parkway. 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 - Low Hazard: Generally calms surf and currents

• Yellow flag - Medium Hazard: Moderate surf and/or currents

• Red flag - High Hazard: High surf and/or dangerous currents; beach patrons are encouraged to remain out of the water

• Double red flag - Water Closed: No swimming or wading  

• Purple flag - Stinging Marine Life: Flown when jellyfish, Portuguese man o'war or other stinging marine life are present

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.