The Manatee County Marine Rescue Division extended lifeguard duty two hours May 26 and urged beachgoers to swim in areas where lifeguards are present.
Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach and Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach are the only county beaches with professional lifeguards.
Lifeguard hours are extended from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sept. 7, following Labor Day.
Lifeguard patrol ends at 5 p.m. the rest of the year.
Marine Rescue Chief Joe Westerman said lifeguard tower information boards denote prevailing beach conditions and warning flags reflect safety levels.
“Although the lifeguards are stationed at these two beaches, they are also dispatched by 911 operators to water emergencies along our waterways and beaches, so you will see them at various locations on and off the sand,” Westerman said.
“Lifeguards continually look for rip currents and identify hazards that might affect beachgoers,” he added.
Beach swimming areas at Coquina and Manatee beaches outlined by buoys provide a haven free of boats and watercraft.