Atlantic Beach redesigned the lifeguard station on Ahern Street. | City of Atlantic Beach
Published on May 22, 2025 at 3:12 pm
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Atlantic Beach has redesigned a lifeguard station at the Ahern Street beach access.
Unveiled Wednesday, the new station keeps the original design that William Morgan did in the late 1990s, but the reboot includes upgrades designed to optimize response times and lifeguard effectiveness, city officials said.
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“It’s designed for efficiency and built to support the people who put their lives on the line every day to keep beachgoers safe,” lifeguard Capt. John Phillips said in a news release. “It’s a place where future lifeguards will be trained, where local youth might get their first introduction into public service, and where teamwork and dedication will continue to thrive. It’s an investment in both infrastructure and in people.”
Along with offering lifeguards panoramic views of the beach to spot swimmers in distress, the redesign includes dedicated areas for medical supplies, equipment and initial treatment. There is also more room for lifeguard equipment like rescue boards, ATVs, and first aid supplies.
The redesign also has improved facilities and accessibility for lifeguards, with new restrooms and shower facilities. And there is improved public beach access with a walkway and dune walkover to the beach.
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The lifeguard station redesign cost $1.34 million, including the building, design, permitting, dune walkover and landscaping. It took 10 months to build.
ACON Construction was the lead builder. The financing included $714,000 from the city of Jacksonville.
