07-02-2025
Spring Break 2025; How PCB lifeguards are getting ready
BAY COUNTY (WMBB) – Panama City Beach lifeguards are finishing up their training as the spring break season approaches.
Since October of 2024, PCB lifeguards have been training for the 2025 spring and summer seasons. Last year, however, the crew was preparing for the season with less than a dozen full-time lifeguards. This year, they have 20 spots on the team; all in an effort to keep the beaches as safe as possible.
'You have a one in 8 million chance of drowning in front of a properly trained lifeguard at a guarded beach. So those are just naturally going to be safer beaches because you have a trained individual that's looking out for other people's safety. They're trained to spot rip currents and effectively communicate that hazard to beach patrons and just make the area safer,' PCB Beach Safety Director Daryl Paul said.
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Lifeguards go through a series of standard practices, like cans, tubes, and board training, in addition to pier jumps. They also train for specialty exercises, like jet ski rescues.
While some lifeguards may be going into their first season in PCB, they are no strangers to the water. Kyle Soroka is a new lifeguard on the team but he has been working on neighboring beaches for several years. He says he tried to stay prepared and prevent accidents from happening.
'Preparedness and prevention. I think both of those things really nip a lot of problems in the bud, and a big thing with lifeguarding is prevention. There is the reaction part which were famous for… the training, the rescues, the medical training. But the prevention is really a big thing with lifeguarding,' Soroka said.
PCB had six drownings in 2023 and three drownings in 2024. While the number is trending downward, Paul said they are working to get it to zero.
'We're hoping to drop that number even further because one drowning is still too much. When you visit Panama, City Beach, and when you visit the shoreline, we would like you to visit responsibly. We want you to come have a safe, fun time with your family and loved ones,' Paul said.
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