Manatee County Marine Rescue Division has extended summer hours.
The new schedule began Memorial Day weekend with a call from the lifeguards for Anna Maria Island beachgoers to swim near lifeguard stations.
“Manatee’s beautiful beaches are generally calm, but people should always stay vigilant about the water conditions,” said Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman. “Fast-moving currents and rip currents can challenge even the best swimmers.”
Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach are the only beaches in the county that provide beachgoers with professional lifeguard and medical rescue services.
The lifeguard hours, extended through Sept. 9, will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The rest of the year, the lifeguard patrol ends at 5 p.m.
Swimming areas are designated by buoys to provide a safe haven for swimmers, free of boats and other water craft.
Swimmers should take care, however, to remain within these areas.
Lifeguard towers post information boards denoting current beach conditions and also use a warning flag system to alert patrons of relative safety levels.
Although the lifeguards are stationed only at the two beaches, they are dispatched by 911 operators to water emergencies elsewhere.
Did you know?
Beachgoers can check daily beach conditions on Twitter @MCGPublicSafety.