by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 1:55 PM ET, Thu August 20, 2026
Greater Fort Lauderdale is now the world’s first KultureCity-certified sensory-inclusive beach destination, with six Broward County beach communities offering resources for visitors with sensory needs.
The certification is part of Visit Lauderdale’s “Beaches for All” campaign, a collaboration with KultureCity and the cities and beach communities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Dania Beach and Hallandale Beach.
The participating beaches now provide sensory bags at designated lifeguard stations. The bags include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, feeling thermometer cards and strobe-reduction sunglasses. Weighted lap pads are also available.
The beaches have added sensory-friendly signs, designated calm spaces, identifiable lanyards and accessible beach equipment, including beach wheelchairs.
Visitors can also use the free KultureCity app and website to access a Social Story for each participating beach. The guides allow visitors to preview what to expect, locate sensory resources and identify key areas before arriving.
More than 170 lifeguards at the participating beaches have completed KultureCity’s sensory-awareness training. The training covers sensory processing, communication strategies and ways to assist visitors experiencing sensory overload. Hallandale Beach has also provided similar training to staff at its sensory-friendly pools.
"Greater Fort Lauderdale has always been a destination where everyone belongs, and this initiative is another meaningful step in ensuring our beaches reflect that commitment," says Stacy Ritter, president and chief executive officer of Visit Lauderdale. "By working alongside KultureCity and our beach communities, we're proud to become KultureCity’s first destination with sensory-friendly beaches, creating experiences where every resident and visitor can enjoy our coastline with greater comfort, confidence and peace of mind."
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