Alabama Launches First Government Shark Alert System

The new Lulu Gribbins Shark Alert System aims to keep beachgoers safe along the Gulf Coast.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph showing the silhouettes of people swimming and playing in the ocean, with the sun's rays filtering through the water in a warm, hazy glow.The new shark alert system aims to keep beachgoers informed and safe as they enjoy the Gulf Coast's beautiful waters.Gulf Shores Today

In response to a 2024 shark attack that left a swimmer seriously injured, the state of Alabama has launched the nation's first government-issued shark alert system. The Lulu Gribbins Shark Alert System uses geofencing technology to send real-time notifications to beachgoers' phones when sharks are detected in the coastal waters of Baldwin and Mobile counties.

Why it matters

The new shark alert system is an important public safety measure for Alabama's coastal communities, which rely heavily on tourism and beachgoing. It aims to prevent future shark attacks by giving swimmers and bathers advance warning to exit the water when sharks are nearby.

The details

The Lulu Gribbins Shark Alert System went live this past Monday, covering the coastal areas of Baldwin County from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach, and Mobile County from the Eastern Shore to the Mississippi state line. The system uses geofencing technology to only send alerts to those within the designated coastal zones, avoiding false alarms for those inland. The alerts are separate from the existing beach flag warning system that indicates general ocean conditions.

  • In June 2024, Lulu Gribbin was attacked by a bull shark while swimming off the Florida coast.
  • Since her attack and recovery, Gribbin has advocated for better shark warning systems in coastal communities.
  • The Lulu Gribbins Shark Alert System launched this past Monday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Lulu Gribbin

A swimmer who was attacked by a bull shark in 2024 off the Florida coast, sustaining life-changing injuries. Gribbin has since advocated for improved shark warning systems in coastal communities.

Lulu Gribbins Shark Alert System

The new government-issued shark alert system launched in Alabama's coastal counties of Baldwin and Mobile, using geofencing technology to send real-time notifications to beachgoers' phones when sharks are detected in the water.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Lulu's efforts have finally paid off for the rest of us with the signing of legislation that provides for the funding and implementation of the nation's first government-issued shark alert system.”

— Bruce Mikells, Author

What’s next

The Lulu Gribbins Shark Alert System will continue to monitor coastal waters and send notifications to beachgoers throughout the 2026 summer season.

The takeaway

The new shark alert system in Alabama represents an important step forward in public safety and beachgoer protection, using modern technology to give swimmers and bathers advance warning of potential shark threats in the water.