Beach This Weekend? Rip Currents, Sun And Large Crowds Expected

April 14, 2017

With large crowds, moderate to strong surf and rip currents, and very high UV index forecasted, Escambia County Public Safety reminds beach goers to stay safe this Easter weekend. Visitors and residents are asked to be patient when driving, wear and reapply sunscreen often, drink plenty of water and only go in the water if you are strong swimmer. No matter your swimming level, it is always best to swim near a lifeguard. Pensacola Beach Lifeguards will be staffing towers at Casino Beach, Park East, Park West and Quietwater beaches.

Before you plan your trip to the beach any day, be sure to check current conditions. The local rip current risk can be checked daily by clicking here and flag conditions are posted on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards page on MyEscambia.com and on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook.

When visiting any beach, please follow these rip current safety tips:

  • Never swim alone or at an unguarded beach. When you arrive at the beach, ask the on-duty lifeguard about rip currents and other conditions expected.
  • Follow the posted beach condition flag warnings:
    • Green Flag - Means “low hazard,” but you should still exercise caution.
    • Yellow Flag – Indicates “moderate surf and conditions” such as rip currents. Swimmers should exercise careful caution when entering the water.
    • Red Flag – “Strong currents and high surf,” no swimming or wading. Entering the Gulf of Mexico to swim or wade during red flag conditions is illegal in Escambia County.
    • Double Red Flags – Only used during hurricanes and other natural disasters. No swimming, wading or surfing in the Gulf of Mexico. Entering the Gulf of Mexico during double red flag conditions is illegal in Escambia County.
    • Purple Flag – Indicates “dangerous marine wildlife” may be present. Please use caution when entering the water.
  • Rip Current Safety
    • Learn how to spot a rip current – Most often, rip currents are identified by a channel of churning, choppy water, an area having a notable difference in water color, a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward, or a break in the incoming wave pattern.
    • Don’t fight the current.
    • Don’t swim straight into shore; instead, swim diagonally until you do not feel the rip current’s pull. Then you can swim to shore.
  • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If lifeguards are not available, have someone call 911.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News