Pensacola Beach Lifeguards to Return for 2026 Season

Lifeguards will be back on duty starting February 28 to keep beachgoers safe.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will return to their towers on Casino Beach for the 2026 season, starting on Saturday, February 28. Lifeguard hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until March 8, when they will shift to 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. due to Daylight Saving Time. Increased staffing will begin on Memorial Day weekend, with 10 new lifeguards joining 65 returning lifeguards who have completed over 60 hours of open water and emergency medical training.

Why it matters

Pensacola Beach is a popular tourist destination, and the lifeguards play a crucial role in keeping beachgoers safe. Last year, the lifeguards performed 359 rescues, assisted with 130 major medical incidents, and helped locate 48 missing people.

The details

According to a news release from Escambia County, the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will be back on duty on Casino Beach for the 2026 season. The lifeguards will be on duty from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until March 8, when their hours will shift to 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. due to Daylight Saving Time. Increased staffing will begin on the weekend of Memorial Day, with 10 new lifeguards joining 65 returning lifeguards who have completed over 60 hours of open water and emergency medical training.

The Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will return to their towers on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Lifeguard hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until Sunday, March 8, 2026.
On March 8, 2026, lifeguard hours will shift to 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. due to Daylight Saving Time.
Increased staffing will begin on the weekend of Memorial Day 2026.

The players