The lifeguard towers of Miami Beach

Hard to believe, but the Miami Beach lifeguard towers are relatively new. When Hurricane Andrew tore through South Florida in 1992, most of the original huts were destroyed. Instead of simply rebuilding, the city made a bold move to reimagine them as design icons. Architect William Lane created the first new towers, and soon more followed, thanks to local artists, business owners, and even design competitions.

Today, Miami Beach boasts 31 of these playful sentinels, each one unique. Their mix of free-flowing shapes, bold colours, and tropical deco flair makes them irresistible to photographers and beachgoers alike.

^{Image credits:}

^{Life guard station on South Beach © iStock: dndavis}

^{Miami Beach Lifeguard Station © iStock: ATGImages}

^{Summer scene with a lifeguard house in Miami Beach © iStock: FotoMak}

^{Lifeguard tower in South Beach, Miami © iStock: marchello74}

^{Florida Lifeguard hut © iStock: Alexander Reitter}

^{Miami Lifeguard Hut © iStock: Predrag Vuckovic}