Orange Beach Surf Rescue has added a new enclosed lifeguard tower at the Gulf State Park Romar Beach Access, giving lifeguards a wider field of view over the shoreline and better protection during severe weather. The structure, known as Tower 5, was built with support from the mayor and City Council as part of the city’s ongoing effort to improve beach safety and working conditions for lifeguards.
The Orange Beach City Council unanimously approved the purchase of Tower 5 in March 2026 for $82,835. The tower is the third enclosed structure added to the city’s lifeguard network, following Tower 2 at Alabama Point East in 2024 and Tower 3 at Cotton Bayou Beach in 2025.
Orange Beach now operates six lifeguard tower locations along its coastline. In addition to the three enclosed towers, the city maintains Tower 1 at Shell Beach, Tower 4 at the Resident Beach Access in Coastal Orange Beach, and Tower 6 near The Oasis.
City officials continue to urge beachgoers to swim near lifeguards and stay informed about conditions. Residents and visitors can text “ALBEACHES” to 888777 for daily beach condition and flag status updates, or call 251-981-SURF (7873) for a recorded report on current weather and surf conditions. Officials also ask visitors to remove all belongings from the beach at the end of each day to help keep the shoreline clean.