The beaches of Walton County are beautiful, clean, and quiet.
And it is the job of this unit to keep it that way.

The Beach Patrol Unit was established in 1997. Originally, the unit had less than five deputies assigned full time. Due to increases in beach population and a desire to keep the beaches as safe as possible, the unit increased to eleven (11) full time assigned deputies. The unit covers twenty six (26) miles of beach and the entire portion of the Choctawhatchee Bay and river basin in Walton County.

Their primary duties are patrolling the beaches and ensure that all beachgoers are abiding by the state statutes and county ordinances. Some of the most common violations are glass on the beach, dogs without proper permits, driving on the beach without a permit, and entering the water when the double red caution flag are displayed. They also handle trespassing issues, burglaries and any other type call that may be on the beach. The unit also assists the street deputies as needed. The beach patrol unit also responds to calls when someone is lost or in distress. They assist all types of boaters in all types of situations, such as broken down vessels or vessels in distress. They also provide search and rescue services to the entire county. In 2005, the Beach Patrol Unit responded to approximately 4700 calls for service, 967 citations where issued, and conducted 60 water rescues.

The WCSO Beach Patrol Unit uses some of the most sophisticated yet reliable equipment available. They utilize a 25ft Nautica inflatable center console boat, equipped with a GPS system to assist in search and rescue missions, with a 200hp Yamaha four stroke outboard engine. This boat can be used in rough weather and high seas with no problem. It is also equipped with a front bow section that lowers into the water for lifesaving operations such as stabilizing a patient or for diving operations such as search and rescue. This boat is virtually unsinkable. It can be completely full of water and still operate as needed. It can run in as little as 10 inches of water! Other equipment currently utilized is a 15 ft Key West boat, 6 Yamaha 400 Big Bear 4x4 All Terrain Vehicles for shoreline patrolling, 2 XL 700 Yamaha WaveRunners for rapid water deployment. All beach patrol vehicles are further equipped with rescue cans, rescue reels, Swiftwater life jackets, and inflatable life jackets.

Should you have a question about beach ordinances or beach safety, or a general question about the beaches of Walton County, please feel free to ask any of the beach patrol members. They will be happy to help you!