Sunset Beach outlines 2026 beach‑patrol and ocean‑rescue plans; proposes cabana ordinance change to sunset

Police code‑compliance and ocean‑rescue staff presented their operational plans and safety proposals for the 2026 season.

Code compliance described common violations (cabanas, glass, holes, dogs off leash, e‑bikes and dune violations), a staffing plan for concentrated coverage between 3rd and 27th streets, and six‑hour shifts to reduce heat exposure. Staff said they will focus on education and two warnings before law‑enforcement enforcement is requested. They announced a proposed ordinance change that would require cabanas to be removed at sunset rather than at a fixed 7 p.m., and said the change should improve enforcement flexibility and save labor and fuel costs.

Beach rescue staff said they increased peak staffing to three personnel per day (June–August) and emphasized rip‑current awareness flags, twice‑daily reporting to the National Weather Service and expanded training, including pool drills. Rescue staff asked council to approve an additional awareness flag at 19th Street and proposed more prominent, permanent signage at the pier to reduce dangerous swimming there; staff noted past movable signs had limited success.

Council members asked whether nonemergency phone lines or QR codes could be used for beach reports; staff said 911 remains the most reliable route for urgent calls and that text‑alert contracts previously in place were not renewed. The council acknowledged cost and enforcement trade‑offs and said it would consider the ordinance change at a future meeting.