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Council Members Plan for Lifeguards
06/27/08 - 12:23 PM
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They could change the face of the beach and impact almost all visitors and residents.  After multiple drownings this year, Panama City Beach Leaders are looking at lifeguards.

“I think they need lifeguards on the beach, when you have kids out here in the water they need to have lifeguards,” said beach visitor Barry Alhadeff.

Councilman Ken Nelson says it’s a concern that needs to be answered.

“A lot of excuses we’ve used in the past for not doing it,” he said, “They’re not valid excuses anymore.”

In a plan he proposed to city council members Thursday, the beach would have 10 lifeguard stands near beach access points funded by the city.  He says previous concerns of liability were unfounded.  It comes down to money.

“It’s a matter of money, there are several ways we can fund it,” said Nelson.

But, when suggesting Community Redevelopment funds or other tax resources, his plans were shot down.  Council members deliberated for an hour over the issue, coming to the conclusion that the money just isn’t there.

However, lifeguards are expected to arrive on parts of the beach shortly.  The city has budgeted lifeguards for Pier Park, expected to be in place by the end of the summer.

City leaders also decided to continue discussion on two more lifeguard stations at their second meeting in July.

Meanwhile, the beach flag warning system and CPR certified beach vendor employees are enough for some.

“It’s up to the parents to really keep an eye on their children, they can’t leave them unattended or anything like that,” said visitor Bill James, “And there are signs posted and everything like that so we’re well aware that there’s no lifeguards around here.”