Many vacationers to the area do not have much experience with the Beach Flag system in place on the Gulf. These flags indicate the status of the waters in reference to safety. This could mean everything from rip tides, to a plethora of sea creatures being present. Flags are posted at all public beach areas and beach conditions are monitored throughout each day. Please remember that the absence of red flags does not assure safe conditions.
Low Hazard
(Calm Conditions, Exercise Caution)
High Hazard
(High Surf and/or Strong Currents)
Medium Hazard
Water Closed to Public
Dangerous Marine Life
In addition, rip currents are powerful channels of fast moving water that can be deadly. These a prevalent along the coast and you should know how to escape should you encounter one. It is advised that you do not try to fight the channel and swim back to shore, but instead swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the path of the current.
