What is the Beach Warning Flags System?

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Are you planning a visit to Panama City Beach, Florida and heard of the Beach Warning Flag System? PCB uses the internationally accepted beach flag warning system in an effort to protect both visitors and locals from dangerous rip currents. 

The Bay County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), under the direction of Sgt. Mike Morris, is in daily contact with the National Weather Service office and with the city of Panama City Beach to set the flag colors.  When rip conditions are identified, they are closely monitored and the flag colors changed as needed to reflect changing currents.  When you text PCBFLAGS to 888777, you will receive daily flag alerts. 

The flags are present on the beach all along the Panama City Beach area, spaced approximately a quarter mile apart. The flag system is explained and clearly posted at every beach walkover for all of Panama City Beach, and Carillon Beach alike.  

The Beach Warning Flag system is:

*Double Red Flags indicate that the water is closed to the public.  Ankle deep is too deep and NO swimming is allowed.

*Single Red Flags indicate a high hazard with high surf and/or strong currents.  Knee deep is too deep, no swimming is allowed.  You may walk along the waters edge, exercising extreme caution with a high level of alertness.  

*Yellow Flags indicate a medium hazard with moderate surf and/or currents.  Swimming is permissible with caution. 

*Green Flags indicate low hazards with calm conditions. Swim with caution.

*Purple Flags indicate the presence of dangerous marine life such as jellyfish, stingrays, and other dangerous fish. 

Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from the shore.  Know how to identify areas of rip currents.  Look for unusual areas of choppiness and discolored water.  There may be debris and sea foam moving seaward.  These strong currents can easily sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea. If you get caught in a rip current, don't fight the current.  Try to swim out of the current, by swimming parallel to the shore.  If you are not able to swim out of the rip, float or tread water. If you need help, call or wave for assistance, but most of all DO NOT PANIC!  

Once, many years ago, while home in North Carolina to attend my cousin's wedding, I got caught in a rip current.  We were swimming in water that was about hip deep.  I tried to swim back in but found myself being pulled out into deeper waters. I tried to swim parallel to the shore to get out of the rip, but I found myself being carried farther down the shoreline and farther out.  I instantly recognized what was happening. 

I spent my youth going to NC beaches, and was aware of the potential danger.  Thankfully, I knew what to do. I flipped over onto my back, and floated.  I was carried several miles down the beach before I was finally able to swim out of the rip, and back to shore. By the grace of God, I did not panic.  I recognized what was happening, and was able to keep my composure.  I remember thinking to myself as I floated down the shoreline and gazed up at the beautiful blue sky, that I didn't want to drown.  I didn't want anyone to have to call my Mom to give her the bad news.  I was thankful I was aware, and knew what to do.  I was thankful for the calm that I experienced in this potentially life threatening event.  I was thankful to go home safe and sound.

At Flip Flop Holiday, our family and guests are important to us.  We want everyone to have a wonderful time at the beach, and we want everyone to be aware of potential dangers and how to avoid them, so they can go home safely at the end of the day. 

If, during double red/single red flag days, you want to go swimming, that's not a problem!  Carillon Beach has three beautiful community swimming pools for you to choose from.  When you stay at FLIP FLOP HOLIDAY Beach House, you have access to ALL Carillon Beach community amenities!  You may go to the community pools if you want to go swimming on double or single red flag days.  Or stay at the house and relax on the porch(es), watch TV on the 85" tv in the living room, or go play pickle ball.  There are plenty of options for you to relax and enjoy yourself!

Y'all stay safe!

~Lynn and Eddie

 

to read more about BCSO, and Sgt. Mike Morris, click here.