Fort Lauderdale expands lifeguard protection to North Beach
City of Fort Lauderdale - Public Information Office
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Fort Lauderdale Expands Lifeguard Protection to North Beach

Five new lifeguard towers funded by metered parking; City residents park free

Matt Little, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4732 or MLittle@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - This fall, the City of Fort Lauderdale is expanding lifeguard protection to North Beach and giving Fort Lauderdale residents access to free parking at major beach lots with the annual purchase of a $5 swipe card.

The City is adding five new lifeguard towers to the 15 towers currently stationed along the 2-1/2 mile stretch of beach.  Lifeguard protection will be funded by proceeds from the newly metered parking area at North Beach.

Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue has added eight new certified lifeguards and appointed two new lieutenants to protect beachgoers.

Sixteen years ago, budget constraints forced the City to shrink the area of the beach that was guarded.  Lifeguard towers at North Beach were removed.
 
Under a new, innovative plan approved by the City, parking fees collected at North Beach will be dedicated to funding lifeguard protection.  Twenty-five new, multi-space meters are being installed along A1A from NE 14th Court to NE 19th Street.  This allows the City to increase public safety at its beach with no cost passed on to its residents. 

As a huge bonus, the plan allows City residents to park free at North Beach, South Beach and the Birch/Intracoastal E-Lot, with the annual purchase of a Resident Beach Parking Card for $5. 

The cards go on sale November 1 at Parking and Fleet Services, 290 NE 3rd Avenue.  Office hours:

  • Weekdays: 7:45 am to 4:00 pm
  • Extended hours on Thursdays: 7:45 am to 5:30 pm
  • Special Saturday hours on November 3 & November 10, 2007: 7:45 am to noon

Non-resident visitor parking rates are as follows:

  • North Beach (A1A from NE 14th Court north to NE 19th Street): $1.75 per hour
  • South Beach (700 Seabreeze Blvd): $10 per entry, 6am-6pm; $6 per entry, 6pm-midnight
  • E-Lot (N. Birch Road and E. Las Olas Blvd.): $.75 per hour, 7am-7pm; $1.25 per hour, 7pm-2am