'It's a cool job': Panama City Beach doubles number of lifeguards in the past few weeks

PANAMA CITY BEACH − Daryl Paul says he thinks the city is well equipped to protect beachgoers on its shores.

Paul, who took over as beach safety director for Panama City Beach Fire Rescue earlier this year, said the city's number of lifeguards has doubled over the past few weeks − a byproduct of schools letting out for summer break and experienced lifeguards returning to their positions.

As of Thursday, Panama City Beach had nine full-time lifeguards and 13 seasonal lifeguards. It also still had three open seasonal positions.

"It definitely takes a little bit of the pressure off, and it allows you to shift your focus to more of operational needs and the individual needs of the specific lifeguards," Paul said of being almost fully staffed. "It's huge gains for the city because now I'm not tied to an office, and I'm not tied to trying to advertise these positions.

"I can go out there and actually train with the crew and invest in the individual lifeguards to pump out a better product, to pump out a better lifeguard and a better waterman that's going to be able to make decisions on their own when the time comes."

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Paul said PCB lifeguards patrol about 9.5 miles of the Gulf, either on ATVs, in trucks of by jet skis. At least one lifeguard also is stationed in both of the city's two lifeguard towers, which are located on each side of the Russell-Fields Pier.

During May, local guards rescued a dozen swimmers and performed more than 1,400 public assists. They also carried out almost 170,000 public contacts, which are when guards educate someone on beach safety.

Rescues are when lifeguards save someone who is noticeably struggling and at risk of drowning, while public assists are when they use their judgment to help beachgoers in potentially dangerous situations to prevent actual rescues.

It should be noted it is illegal in Panama City Beach to get in the Gulf of Mexico during times of double red flags. Violators can be fined up to $500, with a 50% discount given to those who pay within 20 days of receiving the ticket.

This rule was established by local officials to protect beachgoers from rip currents − fast moving currents created by channels in surrounding sandbars.

Common flag colors used in beach warning systems include a green flag for low hazard conditions, a yellow flag for medium hazard conditions, one red flag for high hazard conditions and two red flags for very dangerous conditions. Panama City Beach, however, never flies green flags because officials say beachgoers should always be cautious anytime they enter the Gulf.

For more information on the open seasonal lifeguard positions, visit www.pcbfl.gov.

"It's a cool job, and (there's) nothing like it," Paul said. "It's the world's best office. ... It's a real rewarding job. You're serving the community and giving back. I love it."