Manatee County Marine Rescue Division will begin extended summer hours on May 27 and has urged beachgoers to always swim in lifeguarded areas. Coquina Beach and Manatee Public Beach are the only beaches in Manatee County that provide beachgoers with professional lifeguard and medical rescue services. Beach lifeguard hours are extended from 9am to 7pm. Extended summer patrol hours will continue through Sept. 8. Lifeguard patrol ends at 5pm during the rest of the year. Swimming areas are designated by buoys to provide a safe haven for swimmers, free of boats and watercraft. Swimmers are encouraged to remain within these areas. Beachgoers can check daily beach conditions on Twitter @MCGPublicSafety before heading out for a swim. Lifeguard towers post information boards denoting current beach conditions and also use a warning flag system to alert patrons of relative safety levels.

Manatee County Marine Rescue