Beach Safety is a Priority in South Walton

At Newman-Dailey, we strive to provide our guests an specatcular beach vacation filled iwth special memories. Through our 100% performance guarantee, we ensure prompt, reliable service. We also aim to ensure our guests have a safe South Walton vacation by providing vacationers with informaiton on the flag warning system and knowledge to stay safe while enjoying the beach.

Beach safety is a top priority at Newman-Dailey. It is critical that beachgoers understand the dangers associated with rip currents and heed the flag warning system. The following is the meaning of each flag color. On red flag days, knee deep is too deep and on double red flag days, the water is closed for swimming.

Flag Warning System Flags:
- Double Red Flag: Water is closed to public (dangerous water conditions)
- Red Flag: High Hazard (high surf and/or strong currents)
- Yellow Flag: Medium Hazard (moderate surf and/or currents)
- Green Flag: Low Hazard (calm conditions, exercise caution)
- Purple Flag: Marine Pests Present (jellyfish, stingrays, dangerous fish)

How do you know if there is a rip current? The easiest way to identify a rip current is if there is an area of calm water dividing the breaking waves. Other indicators may include: 
- Darker color surf, indicating deeper water
- Murky brown water caused by sand stirred up on the bottom
- Smaller unorganized waves, alongside more evenly breaking waves over a sand bar
- Waves breaking further out to sea on both sides of the rip current
  
What should you do if you get caught in a rip current? 

First and foremost, don’t panic! It is scary being pulled away from shore but it is important to relax and let the current take you out. Once the current begins to dissipate, swim parallel to shore to get out of the current and then swim back in.
 
If a friend or loved one is pulled out in a rip current, throw them a floatation device if you have one. Try not to lose sight of them and call 911. Send someone to notify a lifeguard. Most importantly, do not enter the water without a floatation device as you will be caught in the rip current too.
 
ABC News recently aired a segment on rip currents filled with facts and diagrams to help educate the public on this natural occurrence.

The best way to avoid a rip current is to know the surf conditions before entering the water. The area’s sugar white sand beaches and turquoise waters offer a relaxing oasis and playground for many families each year. And as with any vacation destination, it is important to be educated so you and your family and friends can have a great and safe time!

Click here for today’s flag conditions. During your visit, you can also text “FLAG” to 67463 to receive daily alerts with current flag conditions. (Standard message and data rates apply).

See you @ the beach! (And don’t forget your sunscreen.) 
 

Published by Tracy Louthain
Tuesday, May 26, 2015