Manatee County Launches New Life Vest Initiative
‘Beach Like a Local’ offers safer swims on Anna Maria Island through complimentary life vest stands
The Bradenton Area’s commitment to responsible recreation and beach safety is now buoyed by ‘Beach Like a Local,’ a new complimentary life vest initiative designed to encourage a safer beach experience for resident and visiting beachgoers of all ages and swimming abilities.
Inspired by an idea brought forward by William Shick, Jennifer Perry, Codey Metters, Allen Raby, Enrique Gonzalez at Manatee County’s Supervisory Leadership Program, this program is meant to provide additional safety opportunities in areas that are without lifeguard towers on Anna Maria Island.
‘Beach Like a Local’ is part of the Bradenton Area’s ‘Love It Like a Local’ initiative, which encourages visitors to enjoy Anna Maria Island as if they called it home by respecting wildlife, leaving beaches and waterways as they found them and making safer choices, including wearing these life vests.
The program will provide beachgoers with the opportunity to the use of 64 total U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests at two locations on the north end of Anna Maria Island with the intent to return after use. One stand will be near the Sandbar Seafood + Spirits Restaurant on the Gulf side of the island, with the other stand placed at Bayfront Park.
Each life vest stand contains 32 life vests in various sizes, ranging from infant to children to adults, along with clear, proper signage explaining how to properly fit and use the life vests.
“This life vest program provides extra support for our residents and visitors,” said Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Chairperson, Tal Siddique. “As we welcome visitors from around the world, we encourage them to not only enjoy our beaches but to also make choices that support a safer, more enjoyable beach experience for everyone.”
Part of safer swims include checkingdaily beach conditionsto be aware of rip current possibilities and weather conditions.
“Water conditions can change quickly on the north end of Anna Maria Island, and not everyone is familiar with our currents or tides,” said Siddique. “Wearing a properly fitted life vest adds another layer of protection while enjoying the water.”
Anna Maria Island has seven miles of pristine, sugar-white sand beaches. There are 11 lifeguard towers that span from Manatee Beach down to Coquina Beach. These lifeguard towers are staffed by Manatee Public Beaches Patrol, which was recently named the 2025 Beach Patrol of the Year by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association.
