Destin Adopts a New Flag System
Destin, FL -Everyone likes to walk on the beach while on vacation. Right away, you take your shoes off and wade in the water! It's also one of the best, most thoroughly enjoyable forms of exercise...invigorating and relaxing at the same time.a quiet escape from the rest of the world! Whether you're walking or jogging, the beach reamins the centerpiece of everyone's vacation here in the Panhandle!
When you're out there working up a little sweat, you may experience an almost irresistible urge to take a dip in the Gulf.the water is crystal clear and inviting...and most of the time, that's OK.but use your head. There are flags posted along the beach and popular swimming areas which are intended to alert you to surf conditions...conditions which determine just how dangerous (or not) the surf and currents of the Gulf of Mexico are on any given day. It's important to look for the flags and to know exactly what they mean. Understanding these flags could save your life!
There
are flags posted along the beach and popular swimming areas
which are intended to alert you to surf conditions...conditions
which determine just how dangerous (or not) the surf and
currents of the Gulf of Mexico are on any given day.
A green flag means that the water is calm. The undertow is slight to non-existent and it is safe to swim using the proper amount of caution !
A yellow flag indicates the presence of light surf or currents and additional caution should be used while swimming in the Gulf.
A red flag indicates the presence of strong surf and currents. Swimming in these conditions is not recommended as it presents a very high hazard to all swimmers.
A double red flag, however, means that the water is closed to the public! No one is allowed in the water when a double red flag is posted!
Finally, a purple flag indicates the presence of marine pest in the water such as jellyfish, stingrays or dangerous fish.
No matter how strong or skilled a swimmer you are, it really is dangerous to swim when the riptide is running! The riptide or undertow is a powerful surge that becomes trapped between the beach and the sandbar. The tide rushes along the shore searching for a way back out into the Gulf. This powerful rush of water is stronger than you are, so you need to stay out of it.but if you become trapped in an undertow, remember to swim with the tide parallel to the beach gradually working your way towards shore so that you don't exhaust yourself battling the force of the water.
If you're unsure of the water conditions
in your area, check with a lifeguard and look for the flags posted nearby!
If you remember to always use caution and never swim when you see red
flags flying, you're sure to have a safe and fun filled vacation.you
deserve it! 
