Marked by a landmark tower, reminiscent of the historic lighthouse that once stood at the south end of the park, the two-story, 10,500 square-foot facility accommodates the needs of MDFR’s Ocean Rescue with office space, training room, lounge, male and female lockers, restrooms, beach observation station, and a 5-bay garage for storing lifeguard vehicles and equipment.  

The ground floor lobby is open to the public and showcases memorabilia on the history of lifeguarding; as well as, current efforts and accomplishments of Ocean Rescue. There is also a conference room that will be available for public meetings and educational classes, including Miami-Dade Parks Jr. Lifeguard and Ocean Awareness programs.

In October 2003, the County transitioned the MDPROS lifeguards to MDFR, who also specialized in lifesaving and safety issues.  The group emerged as MDFR’s new Ocean Rescue Bureau. Since then the bureau has grown and presently patrols Miami-Dade’s public beaches, Crandon Park and Haulover Beach, 365 days a year.  In 2006, the bureau was awarded Beach Patrol of the Year by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association.

For directions to the grand opening ceremony, please contact MDFR’s Public Affairs Bureau at (786) 331-5200.

About Haulover Park:

Haulover Park, of the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces system, is touted as one of South Florida’s most beautiful beaches. A mile and a half stretch of pristine white sand shores, beautifully landscaped sand dunes and open ocean surf, make it the ideal spot for sun-bathing, swimming or surfing.  The entire beach is guarded by trained lifeguards, who inform beach patrons of existing weather and surf conditions. Park visitors can enjoy the array of amenities, including shaded picnic facilities, seaside concessions, sundries/kite shops, a full-service marina and six lighted tennis courts.

About the Miami-Dade Park, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:

The third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land, Miami-Dade Parks is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open—the USTA’s fifth largest tennis tournament; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.