Jupiter boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. But while local shorelines offer endless options for fun and relaxation, they can also be dangerous. A 2025 report by marine forecasting company Tideschart ranked Jupiter’s beaches among the 10 most dangerous in the country.
Still, beachgoers flock to our local shorelines every month to surf, stroll, suntan, or snooze in the sand. While locals and tourists enjoy their carefree day at the beach, a team of ocean rescue lifeguards is vigilantly watching for any sign that a beachgoer needs help.
The men and women who staff Jupiter’s lifeguard stands are members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue’s elite team of ocean rescue lifeguards. Highly trained in ocean rescue and emergency medical response, Jupiter’s lifeguards assist with everything from water rescues and first aid to reuniting lost children with their parents.
North Lieutenant Brian Sprinkle says being informed is crucial to beach safety. “A lot of people come here on vacation and aren’t familiar with our beaches,” says the Port St. Lucie resident. “We let them know where our rips might form, where it’s best to swim, and talk to them about how important it is to visit lifeguarded beaches for their safety and their families’ safety.”
Ocean rescue lifeguards must not only be certified in lifeguarding and CPR; they must pass rigorous physical tests as well. To qualify for the job, candidates must first finish a 500-meter swim in a pool in 10 minutes. Then they must pass a beach test with a mile run and half-mile swim.
On the job for 31 years, Lifeguard/EMT Ahren Kowlaski says his job makes him smile. “What I love most is just being in this environment. Not only because it’s nature, but also because people come here to be happy,” says the Hobe Sound resident. “How many workplaces are like that?”
For rookie lifeguard Quest McDonald, seeing people enjoying the beaches where he grew up is one of the most rewarding parts of his job. “One of my favorite things is seeing families that are not from here experience the ocean for the first time,” says the Jupiter native. “Growing up in the water and surfing these beaches has given me the ability to do this job well.”
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