SARASOTA COUNTY - Sarasota County Fire Department is increasing response capabilities for the month of March as we anticipate an increase in visitors to our beaches during spring break. An additional rescue (ambulance) will be stationed on Siesta Key daily and the fire/rescue boat will be on the water patrolling from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

Sarasota County Fire Department lifeguards are in their stands from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily. There will be extended lifeguard coverage for incident response on Lido, Siesta, and Casey Key until 7 p.m. Always swim near a lifeguard and never allow children to swim alone.

Sarasota County Fire Station 13 also has a UTV that can be used to respond to emergencies on the beach.

Additional Spring Break safety reminders:

• Stay hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Take breaks in the shade.
• If in doubt, don’t go out! Know how to escape the grip of a rip current.  
• Have enough lifejackets on board boats and have a sober boat operator.
• Pack-in and pack-out all items you bring to the beach. Help keep our shorelines free of litter.

 See this video for more spring break safety reminders and information on Sarasota County Fire Department operations.