BEACH SAFETY

RIP CURRENTS can be unpredictable, dangerous and deadly!
Please use good judgment while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.

LOOK FOR:

• Unusual Choppiness
• Discoloration of Water
• Debris & Foam moving seaward
• Flag status - At the Boardwalk. Absence of flag does not assure safe water. See flag meanings below.
  
  RIP CURRENTS CAN BE DANGEROUS
  
  Learn how to identify and avoid them:
  
  
• If you're caught in a Rip Current, don't panic. Swim parallel to the shore until the current weakens, then swim back to the shore.
  
  
• Rip currents are strong, localized rivers of water that usually flow away from the beach at a surprisingly high velocity.
  
  
• Usually they are associated with large waves and strong offshore winds, but not always!! In rare cases, rip currents occur during calm conditions.
  
  BEACH WARNING FLAGS
  
  WATER CLOSED TO PUBLIC- Do not get into the Water!
  
  HIGH HAZARD - High Surf and/or Strong Currents
  
  MEDIUM HAZARD - Moderate Surf and/or Strong Currents
  
  LOW HAZARD - Calm Condition, Exercise Caution
  
  DANGEROUS MARINE LIFE - Pesky little creatures like jellyfish and stingrays