Skilled professionals are now responsible for public safety at six beaches spread over a 36-mile area of the Gulf Coast. From north to south these beaches are: Lido, Siesta, Nokomis, North Jetty, Venice and Manasota.

The Lifeguard Service training of the Lifeguards maintains the “Preventative Lifeguarding” stance, which is seeing the event happen before it happens.

• Sarasota County Beach Lifeguards have some of the safest beaches in the State of Florida.
• The Lifeguard staff training includes passing biannual qualification testing and becoming First Responder Certified.
• Sarasota County’s Lifeguard Operations received the honor of Florida Beach Lifeguard Operations of the Year for 2004.

Beach Flags
Gulf water temperatures continue to rise as summer gets into full swing. Remember to use sunscreen liberally and to reapply it as needed throughout the day. To avoid dehydration be certain to have plenty of water/sports drinks available. Beach flags provide information on swimming conditions:

• green flag - good swimming conditions
• yellow - use caution
• red - dangerous swimming conditions
• double red flags - beach is closed to swimming
• purple -hazardous marine life

A yellow sign with black borders means sharks, rays, jelly fish, and red tide are present. Warmer water can also mean stingrays so remember to use the "stingray shuffle" when moving through the water. Know your swimming skills and abilities as the Gulf may look inviting but may have strong currents. Also watch for signs of rip currents that may be present.