Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Surf Rescue is already looking ahead to the summer of 2026 and is inviting new applicants to try out as Beach Safety Lifeguards. The agency is calling on strong swimmers and runners who are interested in protecting beachgoers. Organizers say the tryouts are the first step in a longer training journey. They are encouraging anyone who meets the age and fitness standards to consider testing their skills.

To begin the process, interested candidates must sign up for a tryout using the Tryout 2026 Form. The tryouts will be held on Saturdays at 10 a.m. on December 13 and December 20, then on January 10, January 17, January 24, January 31, February 7, February 14, and February 21. There will also be a special session on January 3, which starts earlier at 9 a.m.

The physical standards are clear and timed. Applicants must be able to swim 500 meters in under 10 minutes, a distance that tests both speed and endurance in the water. They must also run one mile in under 10 minutes, showing they can move quickly on land in case of an emergency. These tests are designed to reflect the real demands of lifeguard work on a busy shoreline.

Age is another requirement for anyone hoping to serve on the beach in 2026. Candidates must be at least 17 years old to try out for the Beach Safety Lifeguard role. This age limit is meant to make sure that participants have the maturity and responsibility needed for public safety duties. Officials say younger teens who are interested can still start training now to meet the future standards.

Attending at least one tryout is not just recommended, it is required for those hoping to move forward. Taking part in a tryout is necessary to be eligible for the United States Lifesaving Association’s 40-hour lifeguard academy. This academy provides formal instruction, practical skills, and safety lessons that build on the base level of fitness. Without completing at least one tryout, applicants cannot enter that advanced training program.

Orange Beach Surf Rescue leaders see the early schedule as a way for students and other potential guards to plan ahead. With dates spread from December through February, candidates have several chances to pick a day that fits school, work, or sports calendars. The group also notes that the time standards give people a clear goal to train for over the coming months.

By launching the search well before the 2026 season begins, Orange Beach officials hope to create a strong team ready for the crowds that come each year. They stress that lifeguards play a key role in preventing accidents, responding to emergencies, and educating visitors about rip currents and other hazards. For those who are willing to train hard, the tryouts offer a path to a trusted position on the city’s beaches.