ALEA helicopter now funded to help guard Alabama beaches

GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) — Now helping guard Alabama’s beaches full-time is a state trooper helicopter.

Not only is it keeping an eye on trouble spots in the gulf, but when needed dropping rescue swimmers where they are needed most.

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“We started this about three years ago,” Gulf Shores Fire Chief Mark Sealy said. “This is just an increase in those efforts that we have already seen.”

In minutes, the ALEA helicopter can travel from the Flora Bama to Fort Morgan. Getting rescue swimmers in the water quickly will save lives.

“What we are going to see is more patrols,” said state Sen. Chris Elliott (R-District 32), who helped secure the $400,000 in state funding that will translate into 70 to 100 chopper trips along the coast each year.

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“That allows us not only to respond quickly but to be in the air already,” Elliott continued.

From the air, there is a different perspective of the big waves and dangerous currents in the gulf and why the waters are closed to swimmers.

“It’s kind of like going to an amusement park and the roller coaster is closed,” Sealy said. “I understand the disappointment. This is a completely different animal than that. This gulf is relentless.”

Having that eye in the sky and a rescue swimmer on board can make all the difference the next time someone yells for help.

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