Gulf Shores Fire and Beach Rescue works to protect beachgoers from harm when needed, and getting there fast is critical.

Supply chain issues have stalled the process of replacing essential parts for four ATV's used by the city agency, so City Administrator Steve Griffin recently proposed that the city buy two news vehicles.

Griffin proposed the purchase at a Gulf Shores City Council work session last Monday.

"We are now down from six ATVs to two, and these are a very important part of our lifeguard services," Griffin said.

Fire Chief of Staff Melvin Shepard also spoke to city council members on the importance of the vehicles.

"All six are necessary. When we are down even just one that means we are missing an important lifeguard on the beach," Shepard said.

According to city documents, nearby communities have been loaning their additional ATVs to the Gulf Shores beach division.

Shepard said the current ATVs are more quickly worn down by the saltwater and harsh elements at the beach, and he recommended purchasing an alternate brand.

"The beach is a harsh environment for ATVs," Shepard said. "The only other option that would create less maintenance work would be to get Honda Pioneers, which are shaft driven."

According to documents, Shepard and Beach Safety Chief Joethan Phillips were made aware of a three-month delay in receiving repair parts for current vehicles. Due to the increased beachgoing population this time of season, Griffin and the city purchasing officer agreed that the two additional ATVs are necessary for the wellbeing of beachgoers.

Three local vendors and one regional vendor provided estimates for the additional vehicles, and Hall's Motorsports in Daphne provided the lowest quote.

This topic was voted on at council's July 24 meeting.