Sowal Visitors, how did you learn about the beach flag system?

**SneakyPete** · 06-08-2012, 06:56 PM

I have worked in condo rentals and always made it a point to inform visitors about the flag system, stressing the importance of educating their children and other guests as well. I told them about rip currents and how it can be tempting to wade in...just a little...even if the red flags are out, and how easy it is for a wave to take your feet out from under you. If you work with tourists, I urge you to take the time to educate them. Having been on vacation in other areas, I know how easy it is to get into a state-of-altered-being where you can't imagine anything bad happening. It's a common phenomenon, and that little bit of time you take to educate could save a life.

**Paula** · 06-09-2012, 05:40 AM

This is so sad. People who rent their places out can get brochures and fliers that explain the flag system and provide instructions for getting out of a rip tide (or at least trying to) from the TDC office. I have them framed in my rental cottages. I also have one huge magnetic one that I found once that I put on the washing machine in one of our cottages. It would be great to be able to get refrigerator magnets from the TDC as well (larger size ones). That still may not stop everyone from going in the water on a red flag day. How about a contest for a poster with the flag system that would appeal to children? Something that would look nice in the "kid's" bedrooms or bathrooms so that they can educate themselves even if their parents don't. Kids learn to not cross the street at a red or yellow light at a very young age. I realize they'd have to be old enough to read.

**Jdarg** · 06-09-2012, 08:55 AM

There is a billboard on 98 that has instructions to text to a number to find out flag system info. Really? Why not just show the damn flags and what they mean- a billboard is certainly big enough. Wonder how many people see it and actually go to the trouble to text for the info.

**UofL** · 06-09-2012, 09:39 AM

Signs reminding people of the number of people who die in the water could help. We have been hearing in Louisville that the number of motorcycle deaths have increased this year because of the warm winter we had.
The gulf waters aren't so friendly whether it's the extreme of the death due to the current or the June grass (or BP oil). It's almost 'look but do not touch'. We really like 30A but we might become snowbirds, enjoy our bikes, dining, walking, then look else where for water, because really, the main reason you go to the Panhandle are the beaches which includes the water.
Group of us went to Cancun two years in a row. first time, we were on the east side, where the beach was alittle rocky and the water choppy. The next year, we were on the north part of the '7' and we lived in the water; calm and clear.
Counting down; we'll be looking forward to a Red Bar bloody mary for breakfast next Saturday:-)
Ellen

**beachmouse** · 06-09-2012, 09:57 AM

I think my parents condo in Miramar Beach has a Seymour the Beach Safety Crab sticker or magnet on the fridge.

**bluecat** · 06-09-2012, 11:03 AM

No matter what , some people will ignore the flags.I don't think I have ever stayed in a rental that didn't have the flag situation on the fridge.They are there for a reason- pay attenion.

**Andy A** · 06-09-2012, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Paula

This is so sad. People who rent their places out can get brochures and fliers that explain the flag system and provide instructions for getting out of a rip tide (or at least trying to) from the TDC office. I have them framed in my rental cottages. I also have one huge magnetic one that I found once that I put on the washing machine in one of our cottages. It would be great to be able to get refrigerator magnets from the TDC as well (larger size ones). That still may not stop everyone from going in the water on a red flag day. How about a contest for a poster with the flag system that would appeal to children? Something that would look nice in the "kid's" bedrooms or bathrooms so that they can educate themselves even if their parents don't. Kids learn to not cross the street at a red or yellow light at a very young age. I realize they'd have to be old enough to read.

Let's carry it one step further. Bed taxes are collected from all agencies and individuals renting out their properties. Use some of that money to buy American those magnets you talk about and send them to everyone on the bed tax rolls. It is one more way, and a useful expediture of bed tax dollars, to get the message about the beaches out.

**Franny** · 06-09-2012, 03:37 PM

Or bed taxes for more lifeguards!!!

**thisnthat** · 06-09-2012, 07:59 PM

Unfortunately, the beaches that most need lifeguards don't have them. It is obvious they are needed in Seaside, Sandestin and Seascape areas. But, these are so-called private beaches.

**Beach Runner** · 06-09-2012, 11:18 PM

We have the flag info posted at the door that leads to the beach as well as on the fridge, including a note telling our guests which direction to look for the closest flags.

But I wonder if because people have paid a boatload of money for their yearly beach trip which is non-refundable once they arrive and see red flags, they ignore the flags to fulfill their vacation dreams come hell or riptide?

**kitlit** · 06-10-2012, 08:49 AM

BR, unfortunately, that is exactly the case for many of our guests... I worked in hospitality on 30A for 10+ years (much longer, and still currently if you count the restaurant, but I'm talking about actually being in a position to check new arrivals in). It used to frustrate me terribly because I would explain it to them, and even tell them, "I've been here my whole life and know these waters, but they can change on you faster than you know what's happening..." Many of them don't want to hear it. They will tell you point blank, "I just paid you $XXXXX.XX, and I'll go in the water if I damn well please..."

I'm not saying that was the case with this young man, or the little girl, but it definitely does happen. I think the suggestions above that aim towards children are terrific ideas. Children don't have the arrogance that adults often do, and love to learn new things. They will also nag adults to high heaven if they try to do something that the kids have learned is "wrong". [My boyfriend's son is a marvelous example: "Daddy, smoking is bad for you. It'll kill you. I don't want you to get sick or die..." (Josh IS now a non-smoker.)]

The Safety Crab campaign was a good one, it just hasn't gotten enough play. I think more (and bigger) fridge magnets, signs in kid's bedrooms, and more signage out in public areas (i.e., the billboard JDarg mentioned--she's right, nobody's gonna see that and TEXT for info.) Just some thoughts.

Sending much love and gratitude to all those who risk their own lives to try to save the lives of others. We are blessed to have some really wonderful emergency personnel here in SoWal, and I pray that no matter what situations they find in the course of duty, the end of the day will always find them home safe, with their friends and family.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 09:36 AM

Well said Kitlit! Double Red flags today, I pray for the safety of our visitors, residents and safety personnel. Please go to www.swfd.org for flag info and please copy to your facebook page and ask all of your friends to share the post. Help us get the word out. We love our visitors and we want them to come back!....all of them.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 09:42 AM

Double Red flags mean the water is closed. Conditions are unsafe for swimming, wading or even getting your feet wet.

If you are thinking about getting in the water anyway, please consider the bystanders and lifeguards that may have to rescue you. They will put themselves in danger to save you. It is common for bystanders to drown saving a distressed swimmer.

We want our visitors to come back to SoWal. Please pass along the Double Red flad info anyway you can. It just may save a life!

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 09:51 AM

Paula, I like your suggestion of a poster contest or anyway to educate the kids while they are here.

Some additional suggestions:

Rental agencies could urge beach safety and include TDC flag info in their confirmation packets when a guest confirms their reservation. Some agencies already do this.

Restaurants and shops could help get the word out by posting flag info in the establishments. Heck....post it on the menu!

Gas stations can stick flag info on the gas pumps.

Anyway, you get the picture. All suggestions are extremely helpful. Anything to save a life.

**bluecat** · 06-10-2012, 10:02 AM

I hope everyone visiting the area sees these warnings and stay out of water.It puts more than one person at risk of drowning when someone thinks there is no danger.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 10:18 AM

I hear there are tons of people in the water. I hope that is not true. Walton County Sheriff's Department can hand out tickets that comes with a fine.

The Sheriff's Dept. does not want to hand out fines, they want our people safe and unharmed. Sometimes pure stupidity results in ticket. In light of the recent drownings, I hope there are cops on the beach today.

If people are in the water today, can you take a pic and post it on this thread?

**Florida Fever** · 06-10-2012, 10:50 AM

June 2011 was my family's first visit to the Gulf and first in ocean like waters. I would not have known about the flag system if my dad, who has visited many beaches, had not told us.
On our trip back this year to Inlet Beach I watched the flags prior to our visit and signed up for the daily text message alerts from SWFD, these were great. Our kids asked every day, what is the flag today? i would agree for new beachers they def. need to be made aware of the system and how it works.
Luckily we had green flags the whole week we were there in late May. Praying for a safe day for families visiting now!

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Florida Fever

June 2011 was my family's first visit to the Gulf and first in ocean like waters. I would not have known about the flag system if my dad, who has visited many beaches, had not told us.
On our trip back this year to Inlet Beach I watched the flags prior to our visit and signed up for the daily text message alerts from SWFD, these were great. Our kids asked every day, what is the flag today? i would agree for new beachers they def. need to be made aware of the system and how it works.
Luckily we had green flags the whole week we were there in late May. Praying for a safe day for families visiting now!

Thank you, your info is valuable. It helps to know how visitors learn about the flag system. It seems to be word of mouth.

Visitors, please post how you learned about the flag system. And, how can it be improved?

Please go to the "Sowal Visitors, how did you learn about the beach flag system" thread in the All About Sowal forum, our community would love to hear from you.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 11:15 AM

On another thread, a response from a visitor, Florida Fever, prompted me to start this thread. Visitor imput is valuable in helping our community get the word out about the beach flag system and help us improve the message.

How did you learn about the beach flags?

How would you like to see it improved?

Did you know you can go to www.swfd.org to get beach condition updates?

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 11:40 AM

Disclaimer: This is a personal thread and not affiliated with SWFD, however I will share this info with safety entities as needed.

**sunspotbaby** · 06-10-2012, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by seagrovegirl

Disclaimer: This is a personal thread and not affiliated with SWFD, however I will share this info with safety entities as needed.

SGG, I haven't posted on SoWal in months but i'm going to reply here because this is something I am passionate about.
I try to go to the beach on red flag days to talk to visitors about the flags. The girls and I went on Friday (the day after Allie drowned) to Miramar beach across from Seascape. I parked right under the flag. and we walked East for about 150 yards. I probably spoke to a minimum of 40-50 people/groups/families. Out of those, I think one or two was familiar with the flag system. I always make sure i tell people that we have drownings every year here due to people going in the water on red flag days. On Friday when i told every person i spoke to that we had 2 drownings in the space of a week, they were shocked. So not only did they not know about the flags (where they are, what they mean, etc) they had no idea that people actually drown. I think most have no idea what our beach is usually like...they probably think it's always wavy and pounding and that we play in it like that all the time. I know one thing, there are those that take me very seriously and call their children in, and there are those that thank me and go right back in the water. It's hard for me to come to terms with the fact that some just aren't going to listen, but there are those that do listen, and hopefully I've helped keep them out of danger for another day. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-...45909465474701

One more thing...I think our TDC with their bloated budget of bed tax they collect from these visitors should be more proactive in getting the information into the hands of people ON THE BEACH. I think local students could do so much by volunteering to walk the beaches and talk to people. It's not rocket-science. Thanks for letting me vent.

**Wuchie** · 06-10-2012, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by seagrovegirl

On another thread, a response from a visitor, Florida Fever, prompted me to start this thread. Visitor imput is valuable in helping our community get the word out about the beach flag system and help us improve the message.

How did you learn about the beach flags?

How would you like to see it improved?

Did you know you can go to www.swfd.org to get beach condition updates?

We are from Missouri... no oceans nearby, so before we started vacationing near the water we researched the rules for beaches and what the flags mean. There really is no excuse for ignorance about the red flag's meaning. We are looking forward to our visit in July to 30A!

**Zebraspots** · 06-10-2012, 04:18 PM

It is impossible for anyone who uses my neighborhood beach access to get to or leave the beach without seeing large signs clearly showing the flag system. My family and friends (including some who have never been here) all know about the flag system. Their only question is what exactly the purple flag is warning about. They know what the purple flag means, just not if it is being flown for jellies, a bull shark, etc.

**Dawn** · 06-10-2012, 05:21 PM

You could stop every car driving in to Walton and give them a beach flag flyer and I doubt it would save anyone. I would love to be wrong. If I am and you feel that education can save lives then we should welcome the county's efforts to educate, including building a visitor center.

**Pirate** · 06-10-2012, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by seagrovegirl

I hear there are tons of people in the water. I hope that is not true. Walton County Sheriff's Department can hand out tickets that comes with a fine.

The Sheriff's Dept. does not want to hand out fines, they want our people safe and unharmed. Sometimes pure stupidity results in ticket. In light of the recent drownings, I hope there are cops on the beach today.

If people are in the water today, can you take a pic and post it on this thread?

Hundreds of people in the water earlier and still swimming now. Thankfully it rained and kept folks off the beach! Watching kids right now boogie boarding in waves coming in 45 degrees to the shore.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 07:54 PM

Sunspotbaby....THANK YOU for your reply!!! I will not go to the beach during red flag and especially red flag x 2 because I know I would want to help anyone in the water that is in distress. No matter what has been done so far,you can't keep some people out of the water.

Education can save lives, let's be the 1st community to be more proactive than others, we are SOWAL...we can do this!!! Please community, your help is needed and embraced.

**Paula** · 06-10-2012, 08:46 PM

How do you sign up for the daily texts that let you know the flag of the day? What a great service!

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 08:51 PM

call 850-267-1298 to get info if it is not available on www.swfd.org.

**bluecat** · 06-10-2012, 08:52 PM

I can't imagine not seeing the flag meanings , every book you get at checkin has it,rentals usually have it posted on the fridge.Some people think they are smarter than the next guy and nothing tragic will happen ---it does happen. Sorry about the two this past week. How terrible for the deaf boys trying to get help for their friend.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Dawn

You could stop every car driving in to Walton and give them a beach flag flyer and I doubt it would save anyone. I would love to be wrong. If I am and you feel that education can save lives then we should welcome the county's efforts to educate, including building a visitor center.

This thread is not politically motivated. If education will not help, do you have any thoughts that would? This thread could save lives, that is the mission.

**Florida Fever** · 06-10-2012, 09:38 PM

@ paula... I got the text alert number from www.swfd.org. I texted a number and it sent me a message and asked how many days I would be visiting I put in the number of days and got the messages the duration of the trip. Or you had the option of getting them every day.

The last day I got my message when we were comimg home I got a nice message saying thanks for visiting SoWal and travel safe. Very cool!

**seagrovegirl** · 06-10-2012, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by Florida Fever

@ paula... I got the text alert number from www.swfd.org. I texted a number and it sent me a message and asked how many days I would be visiting I put in the number of days and got the messages the duration of the trip. Or you had the option of getting them every day.

The last day I got my message when we were comimg home I got a nice message saying thanks for visiting SoWal and travel safe. Very cool!

I love SWFD........thank you for posting Florida Fever!

**lenzoe** · 06-11-2012, 07:17 AM

I agree with everything sunspotbaby wrote. I'm not surprised people are shocked to hear someone actually drowned, because I think the news rarely makes it from the local media outlets to the visitors when that happens.

I wonder if a counter-type warning would help. Something like the following posted on beach accesses:

Number of drownings last year: 10
Number of drownings this year: 2
Number of drownings this month: 2
Number of drownings this week: 2

Flags are helpful, but they're also abstract, like so many other warnings in our lives. Most people are going to think they don't really apply to them because that's how we get through of our days. Actual numbers of dead produces a more visceral reaction that can't as easily be discounted.

I also think it would be helpful to have the occasional free classes during the peak season on how to survive in the surf. Rip current survival workshops. Classes where small groups get in the water and experience the surf and maybe even an actual rip current and how to get out of it with trained lifeguards instructing, with visitors encouraged to join in.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-11-2012, 07:25 AM

So far, from the responsed here, it seems that most visitors are aware of the flag system, apparantly that information is not enough. Something else needs to be done. Any suggestions?

**Jdarg** · 06-11-2012, 07:32 AM

From all the comments, the problem is obviously that visitors are somewhat to very aware of the flag system, but because of the one week nature of their vacation, there is no importance or urgency assigned to really paying attention to it. How to really overcome this is worrisome.

Our friend from Naples said they don't have a flag system there, and they don't have many drownings. She is finding this whole discussion interesting. Are the water conditions different there? Or the visitors more cautious? I am curious.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-11-2012, 07:47 AM

Interesting. We used to not have drownings here either , it seems after Hurricane Opal in 1995 the sea floor changed and has resulted in more rip tides. Or, maybe there are more visiotrs now and that has increased the drowning numbers. Regardless, there is a problem and any drowning is unacceptable if it can be prevented.

The Sheriff Dept. issues citations for those that ignore double red flags, if they are caught and with 26 miles of beach shore, it's difficult patrol. Do you think a higher fine, one with teeth in it, will help or drive visitors away?

**spartan1** · 06-11-2012, 07:57 AM

Maybe the flags aren't completely useless. Maybe (probably?) they stop a lot of people from going into the water. The problem is that you only see the people that disregarded them.

**Andy A** · 06-11-2012, 08:27 AM

I just returned from our walkover and double red flags are flying. For once, there are no people in the water for as far as I could see in either direction.

**Zebraspots** · 06-11-2012, 10:52 AM

I find the flags very helpful and I think they save lives. Even if some idiots do ignore them, many heed them.

**bluecat** · 06-11-2012, 11:14 AM

I just now put those numbers in my phone, won't be going until Sept. ,by then I would have forgotten them. Thanks for posting the info.

**TravelGal** · 06-11-2012, 03:36 PM

I have been traveling to beaches since I was little and learned that there are different flags and places for important information to be posted. (I often travel during hurricane season, so it pays to be "weather aware".) Made my first trip to SoWal (Miramar Beach) May 2012. We saw the flags on the drive to our condo and there on the little bulletin board in our rental was the legend. Easy enough to follow. When we went to the beach on the first day we took the time to read the details of the various flags and knew what to expect. By the end of the week I had found info on TV and internet for daily beach conditions. I grew up in a tourist area (near a very large lake) and I just think *some* people check their common sense at the door when they are on vacation. Unfortunately - that causes something that should be fun to end in tragedy.

**Joyce Owen** · 06-11-2012, 03:38 PM

Does anyone know what happened to the Beach Ambassador program? I think reading a sign or seeing a magnet in the room is all well and good. However, having someone walk up to visitors to give out a brochure and point out the dangers might be a more direct approach. We need to do whatever it takes to inform our guests and save lives.

**brandifaye** · 06-11-2012, 05:29 PM

We learned about the flags by reading the large sign at the beach access. There has also been info on the system in every rental house we have vacationed in. I do remember a few summers ago a volunteer (?) asking beach goers if they were familiar with the flag system and also asking if they adhered to the warnings.

**Beach Bimmer** · 06-11-2012, 07:06 PM

Note to Walton TDC: bring back the "Seemore the Safety Crab" TV commercials on local channels and cable...quickly.

Kids and parents seemed to pay attention to them, whick helped them understand the flag system. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Seemore TV commercials were all replaced with beach safety commercials featuring a radio talk show host from Ohio named Brian Wilson...a talking head who comes across as boring and does nothing to get the kids' attention.

On a positive note, let's give the SWFD kudos and gratitude for flying double-red flags the past several days. Bay and Okaloosa chose to fly single red flags part of those days. We took a quick survey today and 100% of the parents felt our all of beach counties should not hesitate to fly double-red more often to help keep visitors safe.

**seacrestgirl** · 06-11-2012, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by lenzoe

I agree with everything sunspotbaby wrote. I'm not surprised people are shocked to hear someone actually drowned, because I think the news rarely makes it from the local media outlets to the visitors when that happens.

I wonder if a counter-type warning would help. Something like the following posted on beach accesses:

Number of drownings last year: 10
Number of drownings this year: 2
Number of drownings this month: 2
Number of drownings this week: 2

Flags are helpful, but they're also abstract, like so many other warnings in our lives. Most people are going to think they don't really apply to them because that's how we get through of our days. Actual numbers of dead produces a more visceral reaction that can't as easily be discounted.

I also think it would be helpful to have the occasional free classes during the peak season on how to survive in the surf. Rip current survival workshops. Classes where small groups get in the water and experience the surf and maybe even an actual rip current and how to get out of it with trained lifeguards instructing, with visitors encouraged to join in.

I think that most people know the flags are for a reason, though they may not always know what color means what. On-going education is definitely needed! Unfortunately, most messages need to hit home. Letting people know the realities of ignoring the flags....letting people know when there is a drowning...is also paramount.

**Jdarg** · 06-11-2012, 09:22 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Bimmer

Note to Walton TDC: bring back the "Seemore the Safety Crab" TV commercials on local channels and cable...quickly.

Kids and parents seemed to pay attention to them, whick helped them understand the flag system. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Seemore TV commercials were all replaced with beach safety commercials featuring a radio talk show host from Ohio named Brian Wilson...a talking head who comes across as boring and does nothing to get the kids' attention.

On a positive note, let's give the Walton TDC kudos and gratitude for flying double-red flags the past several days. Bay and Okaloosa chose to fly single red flags part of those days. We took a quick survey in Fired Up today and 100% of the parents felt our all of beach counties should not hesitate to fly double-red more often to help keep visitors safe.

I thought the South Walton Fire Dept. determines the beach conditions, flag changes, and trains the lifeguard staff, not the TDC? I did a quick search and can't find where the TDC participates here, other than share the flag safety stuff. Do they help fund the lifeguard program?

**iloveflorida** · 06-11-2012, 09:32 PM

I was discussing this with my wife tonight. If I went to mars and there was a cave....if it had a red flag I would not go...if it had a yellow flag I would proceed with caution...if it had a green flag I would proceed with no worries...we both learned this at any early age as I am sure everyone on this forum did too.

**beachmouse** · 06-11-2012, 09:36 PM

I agree that other than the purple WTF?e, it seems like the matched beach flags with stoplight colors should make sense at some sort of gut level. But it's apparently not the case.

**Paula** · 06-11-2012, 09:48 PM

I have taken to calling the renters at our cottages when they arrive to welcome them, to find out if they need anything and if everything's OK at the cottages, and to remind them to take the flag system seriously. I let them know that in my experience (from what I've read on this board over the years), it's usually adult men who get in trouble, in part because they heroically go in the water to save others who ignored the flag system or because they wrongly think they're strong enough to avoid getting pulled by the rip tides. I spoke with guests today and they said they went to the beach, stayed out of the water, but there were plenty of people in the ocean despite the double red flags.

**Paula** · 06-11-2012, 09:52 PM

EXCELLENT! I will put that in the cottages as part of the onepage info I will give to renters when they check in (e.g., on the refrigerator - maybe I'll put it on a fridge magnet).