Beach Safety Tips for Your Vacation

Beach Safety Tips for Your Destin Vacation

Summer vacation in Destin, FL means going to the beach, eating delicious seafood, and experiencing all the activities that Destin has to offer. To learn more about fun things to do in Destin, FL visit here!

To fully enjoy the Florida sunshine and emerald green waters, follow the guidelines below on beach safety tips for your vacation to the Gulf Coast!

Young boy playing in the water

Flag Codes

You may have noticed, driving by the beaches in Destin, there are flags flying high so all beachgoers can see them clearly. These flags are not just decoration. They provide insightful information on whether or not you can expect to swim in the water on your day at the beach. See below for a detailed color code.

  • Green – Conditions favorable for swimming. Low hazard.
  • Yellow – Conditions okay for experienced swimmers. Medium hazard.
  • Red – Swimming not allowed. High hazard.
  • Red over Red – Swimming is closed to the public. Danger.
  • Purple – Marine life present in water

UV Rays

When vacationing to the beach, you expect to spend a lot of your time soaking in the famous Florida sunshine. UV rays can be quite dangerous when exposed for too long. To help prepare you for the strong UV rays you will encounter during your stay, view the tips and tricks from locals below.

  • Your sunscreen should be waterproof (this is a detail that is often overlooked)
  • Reapply every few hours, and every time after enjoying a swim in the Gulf
  • Find UV-resistant beachwear and sunglasses

Local Tip: Having an umbrella to provide further protection is always encouraged. Trust us when we say having an umbrella can provide that much-needed break from the sun when spending your day at the beach.

Rip Current

Understanding rips currents is an important safety tip when visiting the Gulf Coast. It is something many vacationers do not realize until they arrive at the beach and see a red flag flying high. Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from the shore. They can be dangerous, so making yourself aware of how to navigate through them is an important concept to understand. See the list below for tips on how to float to safety if caught in a rip current.

  • The swimmer should not panic. Remain calm and keep control of your breath.
  • Instead of trying to swim against the current, the swimmer should instead float to save energy and then swim at an angle away from the current and towards the shore.
  • If the swimmer is unable to reach the shore, they should draw attention to themselves by waving their arms and asking for help.

If you decide to swim, it is always encouraged to stay close to the lifeguard on duty. They are trained to help in situations of distress and are always aware of whether or not is safe to swim.

Following these guidelines will ensure you have a safe trip to the beach! Visit our blog, Beach Access Points in Destin, to learn more about the various beach access points along the Gulf Coast!

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