August 17, 2026

Gulf Shores Lifeguards Staffing Beaches Year-Round

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

August 17, 2026

GULF SHORES, Ala. For as long as Gulf Shores has provided lifeguards on the beaches, we could count on seeing them beginning their duties just before spring break and watching over beachgoers through September, but that’s all about to change.

What used to be a seasonal schedule which was mandated by the tourism season has steadily changed over the years with more people flocking to our beaches year-round and now, those beaches will also be staffed with year-round with lifeguards.

According to beach safety officials, six lifeguards will now be staffed on the beach year-round.

“If something happens, we’re already out there. We have lifeguards that are there; we’re not coming from a fire station or anywhere like that. We’re on the beach, and we’re ready to act,” Gulf Shores Beach Safety Chief Joethan Phillips said.

We often see people in the water throughout the year. Some swim while others wade through the water near the beach.

Lifeguards want to remind beachgoers that an emergency can happen anywhere and at any time.

“It’s still warm all the way through December at least. Any time the weather is warm, people are wanting to come to the beach and enjoy it, so it’s going to be busy throughout the year,” Phillips explained.

Emergencies can happen anytime and not just in the water.

People also have medical emergencies including heart attacks while visiting the beaches and it’s important that trained responders get to the patient quickly.

Safety officials said the goal isn’t just responding when someone’s in trouble; it’s preventing those emergencies before they happen.

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