A child sustained a superficial wound on the back of their leg while in knee-deep water near WaterColor on Wednesday, prompting the South Walton Fire District to close five miles of water.

• Beach patrons reported the injury to SWFD’s Tower 24 lifeguard in WaterColor at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, according to the fire district.

Lifeguards and SWFD Advanced Life Support crews medically evaluated the patient. The patient and family members determined they would take their own transport to the hospital to seek further care.

SWFD has not identified the specific cause of injury, whether it be marine life, a shark or another hazard. Out of an abundance of caution and following United States Lifesaving Association protocol, the fire district is flying localized double red flags for five miles of beach.

• The water closure stretches from One Seagrove Place on the east side to Gulf Trace, west of Grayton Beach.

Lifeguards are also adding a purple flag to the day’s single red flag conditions to reflect the potential for marine life present.

The short-term water closure is in place as lifeguards monitor the water, and changes will be made if necessary. SWFD said it is monitoring the area with additional lifeguard coverage and aerial observation with drones.