North Naples beachgoers may soon see a familiar sight: lifeguards on duty. The North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District is launching a new program this summer to provide lifeguard services at several regional parks and, eventually, select beaches, marking a significant step in water safety for the area. This initiative makes North Collier Fire the first fire-rescue agency in the region to directly manage a county-wide beach lifeguard program, integrating emergency medical response with traditional lifeguard duties.
The move comes as officials address a gap in lifeguard coverage south of Sarasota County, where beach safety resources have been limited. According to Jorge Aguilera, deputy chief of North Collier Fire, many coastal communities on Florida’s east coast already have established lifeguard programs, but the same wasn’t true for much of the Gulf Coast. The new program aims to fill that void and provide a proactive approach to preventing drownings and responding to emergencies.
Expanding Lifeguard Coverage in Collier County
The initial phase of the North Collier Fire Ocean Rescue program will focus on pools at Big Corkscrew Regional Park and North Collier Regional Park’s Sun-N-Fun Lagoon. Lifeguard stations are planned for select beaches this summer, though specific locations are still being finalized based on usage patterns and safety needs, according to North Collier Fire spokeswoman Heather Mazurkiewicz. The fire district currently has 93 certified lifeguards and 26 part-time lifeguards, enabling comprehensive coverage and coordinated operations.
The need for increased water safety measures is underscored by alarming statistics. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 in Collier County, and the second leading cause for those aged 5 to 14, as reported by Water Smart Collier and the Florida Department of Health. Since 2010, Collier County has tragically recorded 59 child drownings.
A Collaborative Effort for Public Safety
The agreement between North Collier Fire and county leaders, approved in February, represents a “bold evolution of public safety” for Collier County, stated Fire Chief Eloy Ricardo. He emphasized that embedding water safety into the emergency response framework will accelerate response times, enhance preventative measures, and create a more proactive and coordinated system designed to save lives. The program is designed to provide lifeguard coverage seven days a week during peak-use periods, with specific operating hours still under development.
While North Collier Fire is taking the lead, the program is a collaborative effort. Mazurkiewicz noted that the agency is working closely with county and state partners to determine optimal station locations, prioritizing areas with the greatest need and impact. Thirty coastal counties in Florida offer some form of beach monitoring, but the presence of dedicated lifeguards is determined by local governments, according to the state Department of Health. The state DOH monitors beach water quality but does not oversee lifeguard certification or licensing.
The initiative builds on existing efforts to address a shortage of lifeguards and expand beyond pool coverage, which North Collier Fire had already been supporting. The program’s focus on prevention and rescue aims to create a dedicated presence directly on the beach, offering a higher level of safety for residents and visitors alike.
As the Ocean Rescue Division officially launches, lifeguards will be strategically positioned within the geographic boundaries of the North Collier fire district. The agency will continue to analyze operational data and collaborate with partners to refine station locations and ensure the program effectively addresses the community’s needs.
Looking ahead, the success of this program could serve as a model for other coastal communities in Southwest Florida seeking to enhance beach safety. The expansion of lifeguard services represents a significant investment in public safety and a commitment to protecting lives in and around the waters of Collier County.
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