Lifeguard Debate Continues on Panama City Beach
Save Email Print
Bookmark and Share
Updated: 9:36 PM Oct 9, 2008
Lifeguard Debate Continues on Panama City Beach
Red flags certainly haven't stopped the number of drownings on Panama City Beach from skyrocketing this year.
Posted: 5:39 PM Oct 9, 2008
Reporter: Kristy Wolski
Email Address: kristy.wolski@wjhg.com
width:200 and height: 120 and picwidth: 200 and pciheight: 120
Font Size:

Red flags certainly haven't stopped the number of drownings on Panama City Beach from skyrocketing this year.

"Those beach flags do not come down off the poles to help people, and the majority of the people that are heeding the advice of the beach flags are not the ones going in the water and getting into trouble," said Gary Wise of the South Walton Fire District.

Wednesday, despite the red warning, another man lost his life in the rough waters. Including that drowning, the total number of deaths is now up to 11. City officials agree lifeguards are needed on the beaches, but what they can't agree on is the funding.

The Santa Rosa Island Authority, which includes Pensacola Beach, funds their lifeguard system for $700,000 a year, including 34 mostly part-time lifeguards.

South Walton's lifeguard program costs about $640,000 a year with 30 lifeguards, again, most part-time. Destin Fire Control District has between 30-40 lifeguards at any given time at a cost of about $475,000 a year.

Some of those districts charge a user-tax on visitors to help pay. At least one city official expressed disappointment no one from the condo or hotel industry showed up to Thursday's meeting.

"If the industry thinks we need lifeguards, I'd like for them to tell us that and then we can fund it, and I can guarantee you we can put a referendum on the next ballot and we will vote if Bay County wants a special taxing situation set up to fund lifeguards," said Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst.

Panama City Beach resident David Spencer says having safety equipment available on the beach could help save lives.

"Is there anything on the beach to help somebody in need? We can't have manned lifeguards stern to stern on Panama City Beach. That's just not going to work. We can't afford it. But what we can do is create a different idea that might help the individual who is out there and empower them enough to get somebody safely back to the beach," said David Spencer, a Panama City Beach resident.

Right now all city officials are committing to is two lifeguards at the City Pier beginning next April. Between Panama City Beach and unincorporated areas, rescue workers were called out 414 times so far this year, compared to 187 water calls in 2007.

As for a user tax, council member Jeff Ferguson made a point that he would not support it. The other council members did not express their opinions.

Headlines - msnbc.com
  • C-sections can be risky for preemies

    Doctors have long assumed that Cesarean sections might be the best choice for babies that will be born preterm. But a new study shows that C-sections are no safer than vaginal delivery for the most fragile of infants, those who are born early and who are small for their age.Doctors have long assumed that Cesarean sections might be the best choice for babies that will be born preterm. But a new study shows that C-sections are no safer than vaginal delivery for the most fragile of infants, those who are born early and who are small for their age.


  • Tainted wipes destroyed as firm moves forward
    Truckloads of alcohol wipes, tankers of bulk liquids and cartons of chemicals have been hauled to secure landfills and waste disposal centers as a Wisconsin medical products supplier works to recover from a year-long contamination scandal blamed for illness and death.
  • Most docs tell white lies, study finds
    More than half of doctors surveyed told patients an untruth and 20 percent didn't report a medical mistake, new research finds.
  • Twins with autism: No one answer in search for cause

    Drew and Skyler Russert are 16-year-old identical twin brothers who share the same blue eyes, straight hair and love for football. They also share an autism diagnosis. Recent research on twins with autism increasingly links environmental triggers for the disorder.Drew and Skyler Russert are 16-year-old identical twin brothers who share the same blue eyes, straight hair and love for football. They also share an autism diagnosis. Recent research on twins with autism increasingly links environmental triggers for the disorder.


  • Heartburn drugs linked to serious infections
    FDA warns that people taking drugs that suppress stomach acid production may be at an increased risk for intestinal bacteria infections.
  • Downsize me: Many want smaller portions

    Study finds that, when offered, many restaurant patrons choose to consume less food and fewer calories. Study finds that, when offered, many restaurant patrons choose to consume less food and fewer calories.


  • Teen pregnancy, abortion rates at record low
    Birth and abortion rates among U.S. teens fell to record lows in 2008 as increased use of contraceptives sent the overall teen pregnancy rate to its lowest level since at least 1972, a study showed on Wednesday.
  • Skyscraper runners take workouts to incredible heights

    Sprinting up 86 flights of stairs of the Empire State Building -- even if it's for a worthy cause -- is not everyone's idea of a good time. Especially when there's an elevator nearby. But tonight, more than 650 participants will take the long way up one of New York's most iconic landmarks at this year's Empire State Building Run-Up.Sprinting up 86 flights of stairs of the Empire State Building -- even if it's for a worthy cause -- is not everyone's idea of a good time. Especially when there's an elevator nearby. But tonight, more than 650 participants will take the long way up one of New York's most iconic landmarks at this year's Empire State Building Run-Up.


  • Americans significantly lower trans fat over decade
    Study finds that Americancs have experienced a decline in their blood levels of trans fat, which could mean a decreased risk of heart disease.
  • Inhalable caffeine a cheap buzz, but may have risks

    Critics worry club-goers will use the the 'AeroShot' caffeine device so they can drink until they drop.Move over, coffee and Red Bull. A Harvard professor thinks the next big thing will be people inhaling their caffeine from a lipstick-sized tube. Critics say the novel product is not without its risks.