Top Ways to Stay Safe at the Beach - What you need to know

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Our soft white sand beaches are located along the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to lots of marine life. At times, the surf is rough and can create dangerous conditions and rip currents. When entering the Gulf, you should always know the flag color that is flying before you go. While you should always use caution when entering the Gulf, red flag means surf is rough and dangerous rip currents are forming along the coast. Knee Deep is Too Deep. Double red flag means the water is closed for swimming and beachgoers are required to stay on shore or risk being fined. Learn more about escaping a rip current. 

VIew Current Conditions Here

BEACH SAFETY TIPS

- Watch kids. Always keep an eye on children, especially when in the water. If a child is lost, follow the direction of the wind.

- Don't dive. Don’t dive head first into the Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay or any pool without knowing the depth (The gulf and bay can be very shallow).

- Know flag color. Always know surf conditions before entering the water.

- Lightening strike. If you see lightning, get out of any body of water and leave the beach (Do not go back out onto the beach until at least 1/2 hour after the last thunder is heard. The most deaths from lightning occur either 1/2 hour before the storm arrives or 1/2 hour after it passes).

- Stay hydrated. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated (drink plenty of water).

- Protect your skin. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Cloudy days as well as indirect sunlight will still burn the skin. Wearing a rash guard and/or sitting in the shade also helps prevent sunburn. (Fair skin burns quickly--within an hour on a sunny day).

- Swim in groups. Always swim with a partner; there is safety in numbers

 CO-EXISITING WITH SHARKS & OTHER MARINE LIFE

The Gulf of Mexico is home to many species, including sea turtles, rays, sharks and fish of all kinds. Swimmers can stay safe and co-exist with our marine animals by adopting the following safety practices:  

- Know your surroundings. When swimming in the gulf, be aware of your surroundings and swim within the second sandbar (Use a kayak or paddle board for deeper water)

- Stay calm. If a shark is sighted, stay calm. Most sharks are merely curious and will leave on their own accord. However, if a shark shows signs of aggression leave the water immediately. To deter sharks, swimmers may consider purchasing shark-deterring technology such as Sharkbanz available on Amazon. 

- Swim in a group. Always stay in groups; sharks and other marine life are more likely to engage with a solitary individual. Learn more about sharks in Destin here. 

- Timing is everything. Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks and other marine life are most active and have a competitive sensory advantage.

- Know your limits. Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico is not like a swimming pool. Surf and weather conditions along with marine life create many potentially dangerous scenarios. Know your capabilities. If you are injured, not feeling well or bleeding consider staying on shore. (A shark's olfactory ability is acute.)

- Skip the jewelry. Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales.

- Look but don't touch. It is important to avoid direct contact with any animal or marine life. Look but do not touch injured or stranded animals. Report injured animals to Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission by calling 888-404-3922 or call *FWC or #FWC from your cell phone or text to [email protected]. 

- Watch for marine pests. A purple flag indicates marine pests, such as sharks or jellyfish, are present. Jellyfish with tentacles sting. If stung, it is best to rinse a sting with vinegar. Do not rub the area; Rinse with vinegar (seawater may help). Use tweezers or tape to remove stingers from the skin. If allergic reaction includes trouble breathing or swallowing, swollen tongue or lips, nausea or vomiting, visit the local hospital or call 911.

-Alligator sighting. Our beaches also connect to coastal dune lakes and Choctawhatchee Bay, which are enjoyable locations for swimming and recreational activities on a hot day. Florida waterways are also home to alligators. While alligator sightings are rare, be aware of your surroundings when enjoying ANY open body of water in Florida.

SAFE WATER QUALITY 

Water quality tests are conducted each week by the Florida Department of Health. It is important to note that ANY body of water can have harmful bacteria, including lakes, streams, and the Gulf of Mexico. One type of bacteria is necrotizing fasciitis (aka a flesh-eating virus). Necrotizing Fasciitis is caused by more than one type of bacteria. Several bacteria, common in our environment can cause this condition – the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis  is Group A Strep. People do not “catch” necrotizing fasciitis; it is a complication or symptom of a bacterial infection that has not been promptly or properly treated. The Florida Health Department conducts water quality testing every Monday and posts the results mid-week.  This is testing to determine the amount of bacteria in the water.  Water quality changes daily depending on current conditions, including tides, rainfall, etc.  The bacteria most often seen in our waters is Enterococci. This bacteria is often present in low doses along our shores and the risk of this bacteria causing serious illness is minimal. 

Reduce the risk of bacterial exposure by not entering open bodies of water with open wounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages all people to avoid open bodies of water (such as the Gulf), pools and hot tubs with breaks in the skin, including cuts and scrapes, burns, insect bites, puncture wounds, or surgical wounds. The best way to prevent any bacterial skin infection is to keep open wounds covered with clean, dry bandages until healed. If you do develop signs of infection, visit a local walk-in clinic or hospital, especially if severe redness, pain, swelling, fever, or swollen skin around the wound develops. View this fact sheet for more information about NECROTIZING FASCIITIS or call public information at 850-344-0566

There have been no advisories issued this summer for Okaloosa or Walton County Gulf beaches for enterococci or necrotizing fasciitis.     

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission monitors area waters for Red Tide, which is a naturally occurring algae bloom, karenia brevis.  

STAY WITH NEWMAN-DAILEY

For nearly four decades, the team at Newman-Dailey has been welcoming families to the beach for their cherished beach vacation. Our local team is proud to call the Destin area home and sincerely care about our guests' safety and want every guest to leave happier, healthier and more relaxed than when they arrived. It is important to us that guests arrive home safe with special memories that last a lifetime. 

When you're ready to book your next South Walton or Destin beach vacation, we invite you to view our collection of Destin vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly local vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 to help with your search and provide local recommendations. 

See you @ the beach!