Alabama is taking new steps to enhance safety along its Gulf Coast beaches with the signing of House Bill 437, known as “Lulu’s Law.” Governor Kay Ivey officially signed the legislation Tuesday, creating a shark alert system designed to notify beachgoers and first responders of shark activity in Baldwin and Mobile counties.
Named after Birmingham teen Lulu Gribben, the bill authorizes the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to implement the new alert system. The law allows Emergency Management Agencies in Mobile and Baldwin counties to send targeted alerts to mobile devices in the event of a shark sighting or attack. First responders will also receive direct notifications under the new protocol.
“Alabama is proud to have the safest and most beautiful beaches in the world,” said Ivey. “The added tool of having a shark alert system will help officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties keep our beachgoers safe and enjoying the refreshing waters of our Gulf of America. It was an honor to have Lulu Gribben with me as I signed this bill into law.”
Gribben and members of her family joined the governor for the bill signing, alongside Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook) and Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), who sponsored the legislation, as well as House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville).
Related: Alabama leaders praise Lulu Gribbin, support shark alert bill to protect beachgoers
The alert system is expected to be a significant addition to coastal safety measures as Alabama heads into the busy summer beach season.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
