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South Walton Fire District credits lifeguards as county records zero drownings in 2024
Summary
South Walton Fire District beach safety director presented a year-in-review, reporting no fatal drownings in Walton County in 2024 and reviewing public contacts, red-flag days and junior lifeguard program growth.
David Vaughn, beach safety director for the South Walton Fire District, told the Tourist Development Council that lifeguard activity and public-safety work helped the district manage a busy season and that Walton County recorded zero fatal drownings in 2024.
Vaughn said the county saw “a few more double red flag days” during the busy season and that public contacts and preventive actions were up while full water rescues decreased from the prior year. “We are very happy that there were 0 fatal drownings in all of Walton County last year,” Vaughn said. “There were 4 in the year prior.” He added, “I would never wanna take full credit for 0 fatal drownings,” and said the outcome reflected both the district’s work and luck.
Vaughn highlighted several operational points: the junior lifeguard program has grown from about 60 to more than 200 participants; beach wheelchair availability has increased and is popular; lost-person recoveries were successful during the season; and medical calls were “flat,” indicating steady emergency-demand levels. He said the district’s roving model of patrols increased recorded public contacts and that preventive actions — educational stops that avoid more serious incidents — rose slightly.
Vaughn also thanked partner agencies involved in the response to recent shark incidents, noting all victims survived. He concluded by inviting questions; none were raised during the council’s recorded discussion.
Ending: The council accepted the presentation; no vote or formal action was taken on the report.
