Public Safety

Destin Fire Control District’s ‘Personal Rescue Watercraft Program’ receives national certification

The Destin Fire Control District has been awarded the Personal Rescue Watercraft Agency Certification by the United States Lifeguarding Association (USLA). This certification recognizes the high standards and exemplary performance of the District’s Personal Rescue Watercraft Program. In addition to being certified in the use of Personal Rescue Watercraft, the employees at the Destin Fire Control District […]

Jared Williams

The Destin Fire Control District has been awarded the Personal Rescue Watercraft Agency Certification by the United States Lifeguarding Association (USLA). This certification recognizes the high standards and exemplary performance of the District’s Personal Rescue Watercraft Program.

The District’s application for certification was reviewed and approved by the USLA National Board Certification Committee, and its program was found to not only comply with but exceed current USLA guidelines.

In addition to being certified in the use of Personal Rescue Watercraft, the employees at the Destin Fire Control District are also able to develop and certify new instructors, ensuring the sustainability of the program for years to come. The District was the first agency in the area to use Personal Watercraft for rescue, according to the Destin Fire Control District.

“We would like to give special thanks to retired Encinitas Lifeguard Captain Larry Giles, who in 2006 helped the District get started in its PWC program,” wrote DFCD in a statement. “We would also like to thank Chief Joe D’Agostino and Captain Felix Romero of the Destin Fire Control District for their hard work in training employees on the ski’s and for the arduous task of attaining this certification.”

Currently, the Destin Fire Control District says they are the only nationally accredited Personal Rescue Watercraft program in the area.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Public Safety

Early morning fire destroys Destin home, damages nearby residences

Public Safety

Destin’s Blue Mahoe Restaurant damaged in early morning fire, two firefighters injured

Public Safety

Destin Beach Safety reports 54 rescues in 12 days so far in June

Coming Soon

Destin Fire Rescue holds training exercises at Old Cinema 10 theater ahead of demolition

Victoria Lee commented on Bill to repeal controversial customary use statute passes in Florida Senate

“This article is wrong. There was no privatization of the beaches. Much of the 30A shoreline to the MHWL has been private for decades.”

Respond

Michael Kaholokula commented on Destin High School to move to four-day school week in 2025-2026

“In my town the school day started and ended later. Crime rates went way down! Parents were home when their scholars were home. And scholars aren’t about getting up early!”

Debra Lee Willis commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“I wonder just how long the new fencing will last,how long before someone plows into it. I've lived here. For 50 yrs, and can remember the beaches before all the...”

Sherry Ross commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“The cement wall is ridiculous, just like the wall that use to line the bay side, it will dissappear too, traffic didn't destroy the bay side hurricanes did, to be...”

Cain commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“And who do you think trashed it.”

Pat Hupp commented on Bill to repeal controversial customary use statute passes in Florida Senate

“Yea Don Gaetz of all people, he should go!”

Basil Meecham commented on Bill to repeal controversial customary use statute passes in Florida Senate

“Why the H... does anyone vote for any politician who is in favor of having the horrible disgusting private beaches? Every resident, every visitor, every tax payer MUST have a...”

Tim commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“The air force doesn't own or need the land! It isn't theirs. It was mostly Choctawhatchee National Forest. The air force tried to sell that land in the 2000's but...”

James Huston commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Those signs that you recommend have been there for years, just people annoyed them to the point that Eglin has now had to step the game up”

Harriet G. commented on Okaloosa installs bollards to protect new multi-use path from vehicles

“Now that Ms. Ketchel has torn down more dunes, plus paved over what was beautiful sand, golf carts can drive from one end to the other. No way to cross...”