- Check the Warning Flags when you first arrive on the beach.
SEE FLAGS BELOW
- Check for a lifeguard. Some beach service locations often have certified staff.
- Conditions can change quickly so be sure to check the warning flags frequently.
- Look for tell tale signs of rip currents. SEE RIPTIDE CHART BELOW
- Constantly supervise small children.
- Children shouldn't be allowed on the beach without a responsible adult present.
- Wind and current can quickly carry floats and beach toys into deep water.
- Do not swim during conditions of poor visibility, (Very early, or after sundown).
- Apply sun screen early and often.
- Don't swim while intoxicated.
- Don't swim alone, notify someone you are going in the water if you are alone.
- Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often. exist along side these structures.
- Using polarized sunglasses can help recognize rip currents .
- IF IN DOUBT, DON'T GO OUT.......!
UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL OCEANIC ATMOSPHERE ADMISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
FLORIDA BEACH POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION
HEAT AND HEALTH RISKS
How to Identify Rip Currents
Look for any of these clues:
- A channel of churning, choppy water.
- An area having a notable difference in water color.
- A line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily out in a seaward direction.
- A break in the incoming wave pattern.
DANGEROUS LIGHTNING
If caught in a rip current:
Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
Never fight against the current.
Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline.
When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water.
When out of the current, swim towards shore.
If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
Don`t fall victim to the gulfs tremendous strengths and its inhabitants - Pay attention to safety, follow the safety guidelines, find out the color of the flags, constantly observe the conditions and watch out for others. Help keep our fatalities in Panama City Beach to a Minimum
There a few types of sealife to be aware of on the shores of the gulf, there has not been any serious injuries from marine wildlife incidents in a while but they are wild animals and may turn on you to defend themselves if felt threatened so be aware of:
Dolphins
Friendly and all but be careful when young ones are around - Its Illegal to swim with the dolphins.
Bull Sharks, Nerf Sharks, Tiger Sharks
and others.
These sharks feed regularly on bait fish close to the shores of the emerald coast, they are not interested in humans unless mistakenly identified or act like they are in distress.
Portuguese Man O War
and other Jelly Fish
Jelly Fish are common at certain times of the year, sometimes in huge numbers, stings from smaller jellies are not serious but stay well away from the Man O Wars if you see one however they are not so common here.
Sting Rays
Stingrays sometimes burry themselves into the sand and leave a tell tale outline in the sand, usually with their stinger ready to defend on attack - be careful not to stand on one - they usually flee when approached and see you before you see them.
General Safe rule is stay close to shore, avoid the channel between the sand banks and we do not recommend you go out passed the second sandbank!
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Last update: July 16, 2011
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