Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Orange Beach Surf Rescue has a new enclosed lifeguard tower at the Gulf State Park Romar Beach Access. The structure, known as Tower 5, was built with support from the mayor and City Council. It gives lifeguards a much better field of view of the surrounding shoreline. The new tower also provides protection for lifeguards during severe weather.

The Orange Beach City Council unanimously approved the purchase of Tower 5 in March 2026 for $82,835. The new tower improves working conditions for the guards who staff that stretch of beach. City officials say the upgrade is a significant improvement in beach safety in the area.

Tower 5 is the third enclosed tower added at an Orange Beach beach access location. Tower 2 at Alabama Point East was the first enclosed tower, installed in 2024. Tower 3 at Cotton Bayou Beach followed in 2025, and now Tower 5 completes the latest phase of the effort.

Orange Beach currently has six lifeguard tower locations along its shoreline. Tower 1 is at Shell Beach Orange Beach Public Parking. Tower 2 is at Alabama Point East, and Tower 3 is at Cotton Bayou Public Beach Access.

Tower 4 is at the Resident Beach Access at Coastal Orange Beach. Tower 6 is near The Oasis at Orange Beach, formerly known as Phoenix West II, on the west end of the beach. A Google map of all six tower locations is available online.

Beach safety remains a top priority for the City of Orange Beach. Swimmers are encouraged to always swim near a lifeguard when at the beach. Residents and visitors can sign up to receive daily beach conditions and beach warning flag status by texting ALBEACHES to 888777.

For a recorded daily beach report, callers can dial 251-981-SURF (7873) to hear current weather and surf conditions. More details are available on the city's official website at Orange Beach Surf Rescue. 

The city also asks beachgoers to Leave Only Footprints and remove all belongings from the beach at the end of the day.