(1) The Shark Alert System for Baldwin County and for Mobile County shall be implemented independently according to these protocols, which may be amended from time to time:
- (a) Any local 911 dispatcher or first responder receiving an initial notification of a shark attack shall first follow established local protocols for an emergency event and shall promptly mobilize local resources.
- (b) After entering the shark attack information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), or current system, the dispatcher will promptly notify the local Director of the County EMA (Emergency Management Agency).
- (c) The local public safety official or first responder on scene, or in closest proximity, will then confirm to the local Director of the County EMA that an unprovoked shark attack has occurred on the shoreline or coastline (beach or other body of water) of Baldwin County or of Mobile County.
- (d) Upon confirmation of an attack, the local Director of the County EMA will publish a shark attack alert via the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), or current database, to mobile telephones and wireless devices in the designated geographic areas. The message shall be similar to: “A SHARK alert is in effect in this area near ˂Specific Location˃. Please use caution in the water.”
- (e) Alabama EMA will then notify the ADCNR Commissioner and Marine Resources Director that an unprovoked shark attack has occurred and that a shark alert has been issued.
- (f) This rule only applies to Baldwin County and Mobile County, independently. This rule shall be reviewed periodically and may be amended as needed for the benefit and well-being of the public.
- (2) This rule does not create a private cause of action due to a failure to activate the shark alert system.
Author: Christopher M. Blankenship
Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, § 9-2-30
Penalty: As provided by law.
History: New Rule: Published February 27, 2026; effective April 13, 2026.