Baldwin County Activates New Shark Bite Alert System

The new system will send real-time notifications to beachgoers when a shark attack occurs in coastal waters.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:08am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of beachgoers in the distance, their figures obscured by layers of soft, blurred color and light, conveying a sense of tranquility and relaxation along the Alabama coastline.The new shark bite alert system aims to keep Alabama's Gulf Coast beaches safe and enjoyable for all visitors.Mobile Today

Alabama has launched a new shark attack notification system called 'Lulu's Law' that will send alerts to mobile devices when a shark bite incident occurs in coastal waters. The system was established through legislation signed by Governor Kay Ivey last year, named after shark bite victim Lulu Gribbin. The alerts are designed to provide critical real-time information to the public in order to prevent future attacks.

Why it matters

Shark attacks, while rare, can have serious consequences for beachgoers. This new alert system aims to improve public safety and awareness along Alabama's Gulf Coast, which is a major tourist destination. The system strikes a balance between informing the public and avoiding unnecessary panic that could negatively impact the local tourism industry.

The details

The shark attack notification system will function similarly to other emergency alert systems, sending notifications to mobile devices when an attack has been confirmed in coastal waters. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be responsible for developing the specific rules and protocols for implementing the system. An earlier version of the bill would have allowed alerts for 'imminent danger' when sharks were spotted near shorelines, but coastal communities expressed concerns that this could lead to excessive and unwarranted alerts.

  • The legislation establishing the shark alert system, known as 'Lulu's Law', was signed by Governor Kay Ivey almost one year ago.
  • The new notification system has now been officially activated and is ready to send alerts to beachgoers in Baldwin and Mobile counties.

The players

Governor Kay Ivey

The governor of Alabama who signed the 'Lulu's Law' legislation that led to the creation of the new shark attack notification system.

Lulu Gribbin

The shark bite victim whose name was used for the 'Lulu's Law' legislation that established the new alert system.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

The state agency that will be responsible for developing the specific rules and protocols for implementing the new shark attack notification system.

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What they’re saying

“This bill will help prevent future attacks. It's like an Amber Alert when a child goes missing. It will send an alert when there has been a shark attack.”

— Lulu Gribbin, Shark bite victim

“Alabama is proud to have the safest and most beautiful beaches in the world. The added tool of having a shark alert system will help officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties keep our beachgoers safe and enjoying the refreshing waters of our Gulf of America.”

— Governor Kay Ivey

What’s next

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will now work to finalize the specific protocols and procedures for the new shark attack notification system, with the goal of having it fully operational and ready to alert beachgoers by the start of the 2026 summer season.

The takeaway

This new shark attack alert system represents an important step forward in improving public safety and awareness along Alabama's Gulf Coast. By providing real-time notifications to beachgoers, the system aims to help prevent future shark-related incidents and allow visitors to safely enjoy the state's beautiful beaches.