American Lifeguard Association, Vienna, VA (2026)

04/18/2026

Turning Tragedy Into Action: Urgent and New Safety Measures Strengthen Florida Beaches

Recent news coverage regarding the tragic double at Cocoa Beach continues to reinforce the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for both increased lifeguard staffing and stronger prevention measures. The incident, which claimed the lives of a 34-year-old woman from Ohio and a 42-year-old man from Connecticut, occurred in an unguarded stretch of beach where the nearest lifeguard was nearly a mile away. Both individuals entered the water in an attempt to rescue a child caught in a rip current. While the child survived, the adults were unable to escape the powerful current.

Brevard County officials have since confirmed a critical and immediate need to fill at least 45 lifeguard positions, emphasizing the urgency of recruitment efforts. This is not a long-term goal but an active, ongoing push to restore full beach coverage as quickly as possible. Due to this shortage, several lifeguard towers remain unmanned, particularly outside the most heavily trafficked beach areas, increasing the risk to the public during peak conditions.

Chief Eisen Witcher highlighted that while key locations such as Cocoa Beach Pier, Shepard Park, Lori Wilson Park, Minutemen Causeway, and Paradise Beach are staffed year-round, overall coverage across the coastline remains limited. This creates dangerous gaps, especially for tourists and visitors who may not fully understand ocean conditions or recognize the signs of rip currents. The fact that this incident occurred nearly a mile from the nearest lifeguard underscores how critical it is to fill these 45 vacancies without delay.

This follow-up to the initial rescue effort highlights an important reality: even with experienced responders and mobile patrols, response time can be significantly delayed when incidents occur outside designated lifeguard zones. Rip currents, which can form quickly even in calm-looking water, continue to pose a major threat along Florida’s east coast, particularly during high-risk weather conditions.

In response to these challenges, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has continued to advocate for increased recruitment, improved training, and stronger public awareness campaigns. The organization emphasizes that prevention is the most effective tool in reducing drownings—encouraging beachgoers to always swim near lifeguards and to avoid entering the water during high-risk conditions.

At the same time, innovative solutions are being implemented on the ground. One of the most notable is the Drown Zero initiative, founded by Wyatt Werneth, former Chief of the Cocoa Beach Patrol and current ALA national spokesperson. This program aims to enhance beach safety by installing flotation ring stations along public beach access points. These stations provide immediate access to lifesaving equipment and include clear instructions to call 911 in emergencies.

More than 100 of these stations are already in place across Brevard County, and they have been used multiple times to successfully prevent drownings. Plans are underway to expand the network to over 200 locations, including near hotels and vacation rentals. In addition, future upgrades may include GPS tracking and automatic emergency alert systems, allowing first responders to be notified instantly when rescue equipment is deployed.

Together, these efforts represent a layered approach to beach safety. While increasing the number of trained lifeguards remains essential—and urgently needed to fill the current 45 open positions—programs like Drown Zero serve as a critical backup in unguarded areas, empowering bystanders to assist safely while professional help is on the way.

Ultimately, this tragedy serves as a powerful reminder of both the dangers of rip currents and the importance of preparedness. Through immediate recruitment, public education, and continued innovation, there is a clear path forward to reducing preventable drownings and improving overall beach safety.

04/15/2026

Rough Water Conditions Continue to Impact Florida

Recent events along Florida’s coastline have once again highlighted the powerful and often unpredictable nature of water conditions in the region. A tragic incident near St. Petersburg, detailed in this Fox Weather report on the incident, underscores the seriousness of these dangers. A 63-year-old man, Tony Le, lost his life after falling overboard while boating with his family. Despite immediate rescue efforts by family members and nearby witnesses, he could not be located in time. Authorities later recovered his body approximately 19 feet below the surface, and while the incident is believed to be accidental, it reflects a broader pattern of risk tied to Florida’s current marine environment.

This tragedy is not isolated. Across the state, hazardous water conditions—particularly rip currents—have intensified in recent weeks. With spring break drawing large crowds to Florida’s beaches, the combination of increased ocean activity and higher beach attendance has created a dangerous situation. Multiple fatalities and dozens of rescues have already been reported, many directly linked to strong rip currents. These powerful channels of water can pull even experienced away from shore in seconds, often leading to panic and exhaustion.

The circumstances surrounding Tony Le’s death also point to a critical safety concern: the use of life jackets. Although he reportedly wore one when the boat launched, investigators believe he removed it before entering the water. This decision may have significantly reduced his chances of survival. In unpredictable water conditions, especially where currents and visibility are compromised, personal flotation devices can mean the difference between life and death.

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has expressed growing concern over the current state of Florida’s coastal waters. The organization emphasizes that rip currents are not only more frequent during periods of rough surf and shifting weather patterns but also more dangerous when the public underestimates their strength. According to ALA representatives, many incidents occur not because individuals are unaware of rip currents, but because they do not recognize the early warning signs or fail to follow proper safety protocols.

ALA stresses that prevention is the most effective form of water safety. Lifeguards play a critical role not only in performing rescues but also in educating beachgoers before incidents occur. Their presence significantly reduces the likelihood of drowning by identifying hazardous areas, warning swimmers, and responding immediately when trouble arises. The association has repeatedly warned that reducing lifeguard coverage—whether due to budget cuts or staffing shortages—can have fatal consequences, particularly during high-risk periods like spring break.

In addition to lifeguard coverage, ALA encourages individuals to take personal responsibility when entering the water. This includes always swimming near a lifeguard, checking local weather and surf reports, and understanding how to respond if caught in a rip current. The recommended action is to remain calm, avoid fighting the current, and swim parallel to the shore until free from its pull before heading back to land.

As to experience volatile weather patterns, including heavy surf and increased rainfall, the risks associated with water activities remain elevated. The recent incidents serve as a sobering reminder that even routine outings—like a family boating trip or a day at the beach—can quickly turn dangerous. Vigilance, education, and proper safety measures are essential to preventing further loss of life.
https://www.foxweather.com/watch/fmc-99sqiwjm5k6k1mye

03/31/2026

How Old Should a Lifeguard Be? Rethinking Age, Responsibility, and Workforce Needs

When people ask, “How old should a lifeguard be?” the answer is often assumed to be simple. In reality, it reflects a balance between federal regulation, historical precedent, workforce needs, and—perhaps most importantly—individual maturity.

Under current regulations from the United States Department of Labor, lifeguards must be at least 15 years old to work at swimming pools and water amusement parks, and at least 16 years old to work in open water environments, including beaches, rivers, lakes, and similar natural bodies of water. These standards are grounded in federal child labor provisions under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

More than 20 years ago, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) played a pivotal role in shaping this policy. At the time, the Department of Labor had set the minimum age at 16 and had never formally evaluated the profession in depth. Interestingly, for over half a century, organizations such as the American Red Cross had already been certifying lifeguards at age 15. Despite this longstanding practice, federal labor standards had not caught up with industry reality.

Recognizing a growing nationwide lifeguard shortage, the Department of Labor reached out directly to the American Lifeguard Association for guidance. The ALA emphasized that age 15 had historically been the appropriate starting point for training and certification. Based on this input—and the pressing need to expand the workforce—the Department agreed to lower the minimum age from 16 to 15 for controlled aquatic environments.

In addition, the United States Department of Labor has formally recognized that lifeguard certification must be obtained through a nationally accepted organization, such as the American Red Cross, the American Lifeguard Association, or another equivalent provider. This recognition is clearly reflected in federal guidance and enforcement materials, including the Department’s Field Operations Handbook (Chapter 33), which can be reviewed here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/field-operations-handbook/Chapter-33

As stated directly in the handbook:

“The WHD has determined that the following organizations offer lifeguard certification programs that are similar to that offered by the American Red Cross and therefore satisfy the requirements of 29 CFR 570.34(l).”
The handbook specifically identifies the following organizations:

American Lifeguard Association
Ellis & Associates
National Aquatic Safety Company (NASCO)
United States Lifesaving Association

The Field Operations Handbook serves as an operational guide for federal investigators and enforcement personnel, confirming that lifeguards who are properly trained and certified through these nationally recognized or equivalent programs meet the required federal standards for employment.

This decision and recognition had a meaningful impact. It opened the door for more young people to enter the workforce, helping facilities staff their operations while maintaining safety standards. Youth lifeguards have since become a critical component of the aquatics industry, especially during peak summer seasons.

However, age alone does not determine effectiveness.

Bernard J. Fisher II, Director of Health and Safety for the American Lifeguard Association, has addressed this topic in interviews with major media outlets including NBC’s Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, and the BBC.

His perspective challenges conventional thinking:

“I’ve seen 30-year-old children and 15-year-old adults.”
His point is clear—maturity, responsibility, and decision-making ability are far more important than age alone. A 15-year-old who is focused and disciplined can often outperform an older individual who lacks those qualities.

At the same time, the industry must broaden its approach. While youth have historically filled lifeguard roles, the ongoing shortage requires a shift in mindset. One often-overlooked group is retirees and older adults. These individuals frequently bring strong work ethics, life experience, and reliability—qualities that are invaluable in safety-critical roles.

Engaging retirees as lifeguards presents a unique opportunity. Many have flexible schedules, are looking for meaningful seasonal work, and can return year after year. Indoor aquatic facilities, in particular, can benefit from their long-term availability and consistency.

Ultimately, the question is not simply how old a lifeguard should be—it is who is best suited for the responsibility. Federal guidelines establish the minimum age, but the true standard lies in training, vigilance, and character.

As the aquatics industry evolves, success will depend on embracing both ends of the age spectrum: motivated youth and capable older adults. Together, they form a stronger, more resilient lifeguard workforce—one that ensures safety for all.

03/28/2026

California Beach Locks Down After 'Rare' 8-Foot Great White Shark Circles Surfer Offshore

The recent report of an 8-foot great white shark sighting off Newport Beach has drawn widespread attention, underscoring both the rarity and seriousness of marine wildlife encounters along public coastlines. According to a People magazine report, the shark was observed circling a surfer, prompting an immediate and coordinated emergency response. Lifeguards cleared a one-mile stretch of ocean, deployed rescue vessels, and worked alongside aerial surveillance teams to monitor the situation. The beach was later reopened the same day, with authorities emphasizing that such sightings are uncommon and that sharks are typically passing through rather than actively targeting humans.

Beginning with this type of incident, the American Lifeguard Association emphasizes that the real issue is not simply the presence of sharks, but how effectively safety professionals and the public respond. The ALA has long advocated that preparedness, not panic, is the defining factor in preventing injuries. Lifeguards are equipped to make rapid decisions—clearing the water, coordinating with emergency services, and maintaining public order during high-stress situations.

A central concern for the ALA is public behavior during such encounters. In many cases, risk escalates not because of the animal itself, but due to panic-driven reactions. Sudden splashing, erratic swimming, or failure to follow lifeguard instructions can increase the likelihood of a dangerous interaction. The ALA therefore stresses the importance of public education, ensuring that beachgoers understand how to remain calm, maintain visual awareness, and exit the water in a controlled manner.

Equally important is the consistency of messaging. The ALA promotes clear, actionable guidance that goes beyond general advice. This includes swimming in groups, staying close to shore, avoiding murky water, and steering clear of areas where fishing activity is present. These preventive strategies significantly reduce the likelihood of shark encounters and are essential components of modern aquatic safety programs.

The response by local authorities in Newport Beach reflects many of these principles. Rapid deployment of lifeguard resources, coordinated communication, and precautionary closures demonstrate how trained personnel can effectively manage even rare and unpredictable situations. However, the ALA continues to stress that such outcomes depend on maintaining properly staffed beaches with lifeguards who are trained under nationally recognized standards.

Ultimately, while shark encounters remain rare, they highlight a broader truth about ocean safety: preparation and training are essential. The American Lifeguard Association remains committed to advancing these standards through education, certification, and advocacy. By focusing on informed response rather than fear, the ALA ensures that both the public and safety professionals are equipped to handle these situations with confidence and control.

03/17/2026

in Focus: American Lifeguard Association Supports Life-Saving Awareness Efforts

A recent news segment filmed along the shores of Florida’s Space Coast has brought renewed attention to a growing and often overlooked hazard facing beachgoers: the dangers of deep sand holes. As highlighted by FOX 35 Orlando, these seemingly harmless holes—often dug by children and families—can pose serious risks, including collapse and suffocation.

Local officials and safety advocates emphasized that while beach recreation is an important part of coastal life, it is imperative that the public understands the hidden dangers associated with certain activities. In recent years, multiple incidents across the United States have demonstrated how quickly a fun day at the beach can turn into a life-threatening emergency.

The segment underscores a broader need for increased public education and proactive safety messaging. This is where the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) plays a critical role. As a national leader in aquatic safety and lifeguard training, the ALA directly sponsors and supports programs designed to prevent injuries and save lives through education, awareness, and professional training.

Through its ongoing initiatives, the American Lifeguard Association works to equip both lifeguards and the general public with the knowledge needed to recognize hazards before they become emergencies. This includes promoting awareness of risks such as rip currents, and unsafe swimming conditions.

Importantly, the ALA’s involvement extends beyond training alone. The organization actively collaborates with media outlets, community partners, and public agencies to ensure that critical safety information reaches as many people as possible. By supporting news coverage like the recent FOX 35 segment, the ALA helps amplify essential messaging that can directly impact public behavior and reduce preventable accidents.

Education remains the cornerstone of effective prevention. The American Lifeguard Association’s programs emphasize that safety is not solely the responsibility of lifeguards—it is a shared responsibility among all beach visitors. Simple actions, such as filling in holes after digging, swimming near lifeguard stations, and remaining aware of posted warnings, can significantly reduce risk.

In addition, the ALA advocates for improved working conditions and increased support for lifeguards nationwide. Ensuring that beaches are properly staffed with trained professionals is a key component of maintaining public safety, particularly during peak travel seasons when coastal areas experience higher volumes of visitors.

As coastal communities continue to welcome millions of visitors each year, the importance of proactive safety initiatives cannot be overstated. The American Lifeguard Association remains committed to its mission of reducing drownings and preventing injuries through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

The recent coverage from FOX 35 Orlando serves as a timely reminder that awareness saves lives—and with the continued support and sponsorship of organizations like the American Lifeguard Association, communities are better equipped to keep their beaches safe for everyone.

The American Lifeguard Association actively supports initiatives such as the Ground Zero movement, a proactive safety campaign focused on eliminating preventable aquatic incidents at their source by promoting education, hazard recognition, and immediate intervention strategies. Through Ground Zero, the ALA reinforces its commitment to a zero-incident goal—working with lifeguards, public agencies, and community partners to identify risks before they escalate and to ensure that every beach environment prioritizes prevention, vigilance, and rapid response.

03/03/2026

Rising Concerns About Lifeguard Pay and Working Conditions in the U.S.

Across the United States, lifeguards — the frontline protectors of swimmers at beaches, pools, lakes, and waterways — are increasingly at the center of discussions about staffing shortages, pay equity, and safe working conditions. Recent news coverage has highlighted both the challenges facing lifeguards nationwide and the various proposals aimed at addressing them.

In many parts of the country, municipalities and parks departments are struggling to recruit and retain enough certified lifeguards. In Warner Robins, Georgia, city leaders are actively weighing a proposal to increase lifeguard pay after staffing shortages forced administrators to reconsider how they budget for these critical safety positions. Local officials emphasized that without competitive compensation, maintaining safe aquatic facilities will be difficult during peak summer months, echoing concerns seen across other regions. (13wmaz.com)

In some jurisdictions, lifeguard wages have already been acknowledged as a barrier to hiring. A widely reported case occurred when lifeguards in Austin, Texas proposed a wage increase to $22 an hour (far above the traditional $15–$16 range) in order to attract and retain more staff and prevent pool closures due to shortages. Coverage of this effort originally appeared on Spectrum News 1, where advocates highlighted how higher pay could make lifeguarding a more viable and appealing job for trained professionals.

Other Pay Increases and Policy Responses
Efforts to boost lifeguard pay are not limited to small cities. For example, New York State announced increases in state lifeguard pay, raising base rates as part of a broader strategy to combat shortages at public beaches and pools. Under that plan, lifeguard wages were increased from around $14.95 per hour to up to $20 per hour or higher, depending on location and experience level.

Meanwhile, broader trends show cities and counties experimenting with wage increases, bonuses, and training incentives in the hope of filling open positions. Some municipalities have offered cash bonuses for lifeguards who complete an entire season, while others have restructured pay scales to be more competitive with other seasonal jobs.

These efforts are in response to a national lifeguard shortage — a problem that grew more acute during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to affect recreational programs across the country. Many pools and beaches operate with reduced hours or remain closed because of insufficient staffing, prompting policymakers and community leaders to rethink how lifeguards are valued and compensated.

American Lifeguard Association: Advocating for Better Pay and Working Conditions
Against this backdrop, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has taken a leading role in advocating for nationwide improvements in lifeguard pay, working conditions, and professional recognition. ALA’s efforts are grounded in the understanding that lifeguard work is both highly skilled and essential for public safety — and that compensation and conditions must reflect that reality.

Promoting Competitive Pay Standards

One of ALA’s key initiatives is promoting standardized, competitive wage recommendations for lifeguard employers at the local, regional, and national levels. The Association conducts research on fair pay models and shares best practices with municipalities and parks departments, encouraging them to adopt wage structures that make lifeguarding a sustainable and attractive career option, not just a seasonal stopgap.

Supporting Strong Working Conditions

ALA also collaborates with policymakers and employers to advocate for safer and more supportive working environments. This includes backing adequate staffing ratios, ensuring fair scheduling, and pushing for benefits such as paid training, health coverage, and pathways to full-time employment where feasible.

Raising Awareness and Educating the Public

In addition to direct advocacy, the American Lifeguard Association runs awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of lifeguards as trained public-safety professionals, not just part-time summer workers. By elevating the public conversation, ALA seeks to shift how communities value lifeguarding — both socially and financially.

In a time when lifeguard shortages and pay debates are rapidly evolving, the American Lifeguard Association’s work to raise standards promises to strengthen water safety and professional support for these essential workers nationwide.

02/26/2026

Pinellas County Hiring Lifeguards Ahead of Busy Beach Season Amid Shortage

As recently reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay, local government officials in Pinellas County Florida are urgently recruiting lifeguards for key positions at Fort De Soto Park and Sand Key Park, offering competitive pay that starts at $20 per hour and including all necessary training for new hires. With only weeks before peak tourist and beach attendance, county leaders want towers staffed so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the water safely.

The need for more lifeguards isn’t just a local issue — it’s a statewide and national challenge. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, municipalities across the country have faced difficulty filling lifeguard roles at beaches and pools, leading to staffing gaps at some of the busiest waterfronts.

At Sand Key, a sign reading “No Lifeguard on Duty” on a recent evening illustrated the reality of these shortages. Many parents, like local father Pauly Hutchison, are taking extra precautions. Hutchison said that even though his children are strong swimmers, he keeps life jackets on them near open water, noting, “It just takes half a second, and then your life is over.” His sentiment underscores the danger of unguarded water and the crucial role play in public safety.

Experts emphasize the difference lifeguards make. According to Nathalie Martin, founder of the Swim Global Project and a veteran lifeguard with decades of experience, only about 1% of drownings occur in areas monitored by lifeguards — a statistic that highlights how impactful proper staffing is for water safety.

To help address this issue, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has been active at the national level in expanding access to lifeguard training and certification. ALA’s blended learning programs combine online coursework with in-water practical skill sessions, making certification more accessible to people with busy schedules. This flexible approach helps remove barriers to entry for younger people, college students, and adults looking for seasonal or professional roles.

Additionally, ALA partners with municipalities, parks, and pools to offer group training and employer-supported certification pathways. Instead of requiring applicants to come already certified, many agencies can now recruit first and then certify, which significantly broadens the pool of potential lifeguards.

The organization also promotes lifeguarding as both a community service and a valuable career opportunity, encouraging higher wages and professional recognition to attract and retain guards. By advocating for nationally recognized certification standards and providing resources about aquatic safety, ALA aims to strengthen community water safety nationwide and ease the lifeguard shortage that agencies like Pinellas County are currently facing.

02/13/2026

Amid National Lifeguard Shortage, Volusia County Expands Recruiting Efforts

As temperatures begin to rise along Florida’s coastline, Volusia County Beach Safety is preparing for one of its busiest times of year — spring break. Before the crowds arrive, county leaders are focused on recruiting more lifeguards to fill critical roles amid a nationwide shortage. The original report can be viewed here: SpectrumNews13

Amid a nationwide lifeguard shortage, officials say staffing remains one of their biggest challenges. Volusia County, home to the world-famous shores of Daytona Beach, relies on between 200 and 250 seasonal, part-time lifeguards each year. However, not all of those guards work full-time hours during the summer, making recruitment efforts essential.

Tryouts for the spring recruit class will take place Feburary 14 at the Ormond YMCA. Officials are looking for energetic and responsible individuals who are ready to take on both the physical and life-saving demands of the job.

“It’s the best job to come to — you get to hang out at the beach and get paid. There’s really no better job like it,” said Hailey Monahan, an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard with Volusia County Beach Safety. “You play a key role in people going home with their families that come to the beach on vacation. You get to make a difference in your community.”

While lifeguarding may appear relaxed from a distance, Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs emphasized the responsibility that comes with the role.

“It does come with a lot of responsibility. We’re looking for energetic, responsible people. If you want to get paid and work out on the beach all day, come try out,” Malphurs said.

Applicants must meet rigorous physical standards. Candidates must be at least 16 years old and complete a 500-meter freestyle swim in under 10 minutes, a 50-yard freestyle swim in under 30 seconds, and a half-mile run in under 3 minutes and 15 seconds. These benchmarks ensure recruits are physically prepared to respond quickly in emergency situations, including drowning rescues and medical incidents.

To help combat the ongoing shortage, Volusia County has increased starting pay to $19 per hour. In addition, recruits can earn up to $750 in bonuses for working a designated number of weekends and holidays and successfully completing the training program.

The most recent recruit class, held in the fall, saw a record number of participants complete the training. Between 30 and 40 new lifeguards are currently preparing to begin work this spring. Still, county officials say continued recruitment is vital as beach attendance grows.

Across the country, communities are facing similar staffing shortages. Industry leaders, including the American Lifeguard Association, have emphasized that competitive wages, professional development, and public awareness of the profession’s responsibilities are key factors in strengthening the lifeguard workforce. Lifeguards are highly trained first responders, responsible not only for surveillance but for preventing tragedies before they occur.

For those already on the job, the motivation goes beyond pay.

“I recommend anyone that wants to do it to come join us and give it a shot,” Monahan said.

As spring break approaches and visitors flock to Florida’s coastline, the county hopes more residents will answer the call — ensuring that families can enjoy the beach safely all season long.

American Lifeguard Association

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