On Tuesday morning, the Tourist Development Council discussed expanding lifeguard services in Okaloosa County to include Henderson Beach State Park. 

• Currently, the 4-mile military beach area on Okaloosa Island and the 1-mile beach within Henderson Beach State Park are not guarded.

Henderson Beach State Park is one of the County’s most heavily utilized public beach areas. It also represents a large gap in the county’s public safety umbrella, as lifeguard services are only provided on either side of the park.

• As it stands, Florida does not provide lifeguard services within its State Parks.
• The only lifeguard presence is when Destin Fire Control District (DFCD) lifeguards are traversing the park.

According to the county, 3 deaths occurred this past year at Henderson Beach State Park. All were water related but not all were drownings. Approximately 10 deaths have occurred over the last 5 years, but this does not account for near drownings and rescues, according to the TDD.

To appropriately protect Henderson Beach State Park, the Destin Fire Control District has suggested at least three stationary posts and a roving patrol. Capital costs for the towers, a 4×4 vehicle, and other startup costs are estimated at approximately $40,000.

The State of Florida is willing to cover the initial startup capital costs of the program if the County is willing to fund the ongoing operating costs of the program. The estimated annual operating costs to provide lifeguard services is approximately $80,000.

Lifeguard services would be implemented via an agreement with the State as a 3-5 year pilot program. If the agreement can be completed and approved in a timely manner, lifeguards could potentially be in place by this Spring, but for sure in time for the 100 days of summer, according to the TDD.