In Manatee County, those who swim off of the Anna Maria section of the beach will continue to do so at their own risk.
Earlier this month, a teen from Polk County, Dushay Nelson, 14, drowned there after being caught in a rip current.
City commissioners were considering a push to add lifeguards to the beach, but this week, they decided against it due to budget concerns.
Beachgoers think it's a big mistake.
“I don’t think the money is more important than somebody’s life,” said Kaitlyn French, a Manatee County Resident.
To help, commissioners are considering adding colored flags to the beach, to alert beachgoers of the daily conditions.
The flags would join the rip current warning signs already in place.
But for some, this may not be enough.
Rachel Harris, who is visiting from England, said a lack of lifeguards makes her uncomfortable.
“We certainly are impressioned from swimming at home," she said. "When we’ve been on French beaches, there have been many more lifeguards there. Also, we've been to beaches where surveillience areas are available for people who are less used to being at the beach.”
Until a change is made, beachgoers who want the extra protection are advised to only visit beaches with lifeguards.
Jessica McVay, said this is exactly why she only goes to the Manatee Public Beach.
“We come to this beach because there are lifeguards on duty," she said. "You can’t take a risk especially with my 3 1/2-year-old.”
Manatee and Coquina Beach are the only two beaches on Anna Maria Island with lifeguards.