On Wednesday, Destin Mayor Gary Jarvis talked about the flag warning system along our beaches ahead of Spring Break.
“We’re looking forward to you coming to visit us, but one of the things that we have great concerns over is your safety,” he said. “When you come and visit our beaches, ‘know before you go.’“
Mayor Jarvis is referring to the beach flag warning system that will tell you the conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Double Red – Water closed to the public
- Red Flag – High Hazard
- Yellow Flag – Medium Hazard
- Green Flag – Low Hazard
- Purple Flag – Dangerous Marine Life
Another thing that visitors need to be aware of are rip currents. Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. Even the strongest swimmers can be swept out to sea.
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According to Okaloosa County, between 2002-2021, 191 people have died in rip currents in the Gulf of Mexico. A majority of these deaths are out-of-state residents vacationing at the beach.
- If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until the current weakens, then swim in.
- If you feel you can’t reach shore, relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help.
- If at all possible, only swim at beaches with lifeguards.
- Remember to relax. Rip currents don’t pull you under.
“We want your vacation time to be enjoyable, but more importantly, safe,” he said.
