Sandestin’s emerald-green waters and beautiful white-sand beaches beckon you to jump on in. Before taking the plunge, be sure you know the meaning of the beach flags.
Green Flag: Conditions are favorable for swimming. Swim with caution.
Blue Flag: Indicates that dangerous marine life is present.
Yellow Flag: Use caution when venturing into the water. There's moderate surf and/or currents.
Red Flag: It's too dangerous to swim! There's high surf and/or strong currents.
Double red flags: Highest level of caution. The beach is closed to the public. When the beach flag is red, undertow is present and swimming or wading is not advised.
Rip Currents: Rip currents are a threatening natural hazard, because they pull victims away from the beach.
Beach safety doesn’t end with flying flags; the rest is up to you. Keep it safe by swimming with someone else and avoiding the water during rough surf conditions. If you happen to get caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are free from its pull.
While lounging on the beach, slather on the sunscreen – SPF 30 is best – and shade your eyes.
Drink plenty of water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
Red Cross Swimming Safety Tips:
- Learn to swim. Contact your local Red Cross to inquire about courses.
- Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone. Know your swimming limits, and stay within them. Don’t try to keep up with a stronger skilled swimmer or encourage others to keep up with you. Keep an eye on weaker swimmers.
- Alcohol and swimming don't mix.
- Obey "No Diving" signs, which indicate the area is unsafe for headfirst entries. Enter feet first into water, rather than headfirst, if you don't know the depth.
- Watch out for the "dangerous too's" ~ too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
- Swim in supervised areas only.
- Use common sense about swimming after eating. In general, you do not have to wait an hour after eating. Just let digestion get started before swimming.
- Remember CHECK-CALL-CARE. CHECK the scene to ensure it's safe, and CHECK the victim. CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. CARE for the person until help arrives.