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The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are as inviting as they are beautiful. We want you to enjoy your time riding the emerald waves and splashing in the saltwater while you’re on vacation at the Gulf Coast. We also want each of our guests to remain safe while doing so and ask that you remain vigilant regarding surf conditions. Here are a few beach safety tips to make sure that you can get the most of your next getaway.
Begin each beach trip by checking the flag color for the day. This is an important beach safety tip as warning flags provide vital information on what’s occurring during your vacation. The local flag warning system is universal across each of our beaches, from Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida. Lifeguarded public beaches are also available in each of our Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama vacation destinations mid-March through September.
It is illegal to swim in the Gulf when there is a double red flag. If you are caught swimming in a double red flag, you could be fined.
Feeling the sand between your toes ushers in the bliss of a beach day experience. However, when it’s over 90 degrees, sand in direct sunlight can get so hot that it causes burns on the soles of your feel. Make sure you keep a pair of shoes on hand while walking along the beach in case you reach unbearably hot spots.
Heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sun poisoning can happen as a result of dehydration, extended exposure to the sun, and high temperatures. It’s important to keep sun safety tips in mind while staying hydrated and drink a lot of water. Knowing the symptoms ahead of time can also help you identify when someone might need help. Here’s how you can tell the difference.
If you or someone you’re with displays any of these symptoms get out of the heat immediately and start drinking water. If the symptoms are severe, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Water is one of the most powerful forces of nature. While it may be beautiful, it can also be dangerous. Injuries from waves have resulted in simple sprains, broken collarbones, and even dislocated shoulders. Be mindful to never have your back to an incoming wave. Watch out for waves that break directly on the shore as they have the most potential to be dangerous.
Rip currents, powerful currents of water moving away from the shore, are also something you should heed while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. These currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
What to do if You’re Caught in a Rip Current
We hope you found these beach safety tips useful! While monitoring the beach conditions is certainly a huge part of beach safety, we also want to remind you to put on sunscreen and reapply often while enjoying your time on the beaches of Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama! Nothing ruins a good time like a painful burn. You may even want to consider investing in a beach umbrella for those long days spent in the sun with friends and family. You can rent an umbrella from the onsite beach service or a local business, such as our friends at La Dolce Vita.