If you're visiting the Emerald Coast, there are some things you should know about swimming in the Gulf.

When dangerous conditions exist, please do not get in the water. Too many poeple have drowned when they would have ben okay if they knew about and heeded the warning system that exists along the Emerald Coast (Panama City, Destin, Pensacola, etc)

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.

Here are some links to helpful videos and other info. I hope everyone visiting the Emerald Coast and reading this at least takes the time to watch the short videos.

Beach TV - Beach Warning Flag System

Beach TV - Rip Current Information

Swimmer's Tips - Swim safely!

Current Beach Flag conditions in South Walton County available here:
Beaches of South Walton - Warning Flags

Please use common sense - don't risk your life when red flags are flying - please!!!

Thanks for posting this. There have several drownings in the area in the last couple of weeks & this has been a subject of great debate on another beach forum. We assume that all people know what the flags mean, but I've met people who had never noticed them or didn't understand what they were for. Unfortunately, there's always a few who think it will never happen to them, but if posting this saves one life, well what more can I say!

During our visit last week I heard of as many as three deaths and another dozen rescues. My questions - How often do they evaluate the surf conditions and what is the evaluation process? Also, can conditions be good along a given area but dangerous nearby? Our thoughts and prayers to those who lost friends and loved ones and our thanks to the rescue personnel who risk so much to help others.