Public Safety

Okaloosa Island lifeguards complete season with no drownings, 29 rescues

Lifeguards on Okaloosa Island recorded zero drownings and 29 rescues during the 2025 beach season, which ended Oct. 31, the county announced Monday.

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

Okaloosa County announced the seasonal lifeguard results Monday. Lifeguards recorded zero drownings and 29 rescues during the 2025 season on Okaloosa Island.

Lifeguards conducted more than 800,000 educational and preventative contacts with beachgoers throughout the season. The beach census recorded 1,844,420 visitors to Okaloosa Island beaches during the 2025 season.

With the seasonal lifeguard season concluded, full-time lifeguard staff will shift to a response and patrol schedule from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beach flag text alerts will resume in the spring.

Information about the Beach Safety division and lifeguard employment opportunities is available at myokaloosa.com/ps/beach-safety.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Business

Okaloosa County to begin developing a regulatory framework for data centers

Parks+Rec

Cinco Bayou Boat Ramp, new parking area to open Friday ahead of Labor Day weekend

Coastal Resources

Cinco Bayou advisory lifted; Okaloosa cites low oxygen, algae bloom as likely causes

Public Safety

Okaloosa County paramedic Andrew Kindle named national Community Paramedic of the Year

Roger L Schaeffer commented on Okaloosa County to begin developing a regulatory framework for data centers

“I will keep an open mind for now. Data Centers are complex and must be evaluated thoroughly before approving any applications. Our county officials must keep all the facts accurate...”

Respond

kathleen porter commented on Fort Walton Beach firefighters seek 343 volunteers to ring bell on 25th anniversary of 9/11

“How do you sign up for bell ringing or do we just show up day of?”

Violet commented on Okaloosa County to begin developing a regulatory framework for data centers

“If there is a data center built anywhere near my home, my home goes up for sale. We are currently living part-time in Fredericksburg, Virginia. You do not want these...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: September 3, 2026

“2:34, 5 attempts”

Victoria Sellers commented on Suds N Cinema to host ‘Steel Magnolias’ screenings benefiting the Fort Walton Beach Library

“How fun!!”

Jim McSwain commented on Okaloosa commissioners to explore ‘penny sales tax initiative’ that could replace homestead property taxes

“This is the fly in the ointment. “It would not affect school district taxes, independent special districts, fire districts, non-ad valorem assessments, MSTUs or MSBUs.” Special Districts, fire districts, etc...”

James Keir Baughman Sr. commented on Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to remove license plate reader cameras after statewide FDOT order

“It is shockingly past time to end these invasive citizen surveillance cameras. So many of us are stunned that our hired and elected officials were willing to abuse, even criminalize,...”

Teri Whittaker commented on Suds N Cinema to host ‘Steel Magnolias’ screenings benefiting the Fort Walton Beach Library

“What a great idea and such a wonderful way to honor Dolly! Love this!”

Sandee Paradisi commented on ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Niceville volleyball’s Kate Jannazo plays every rotation and is only getting more comfortable

“I what an outstanding young lady this Kate Jannazo is!!! Congratulations on all your accomplishments!”

Brooke Warrick commented on Fort Walton Beach Council votes to use cemetery funds to buy out $3.87 million deed restriction on City Hall property

“They should not be allowed to sell off the property. We do not need another hotel or apartment buildings. Behind city hall we have a neighborhood and city athletic fields....”