RED TIDE ALERT!
Monday Sep 20 2021
If you visited the beach throughout the weekend, you may have noticed difficulty breathing or other respiratory issues that seemed to disappear shortly after you left the sand.
These issues are largely related to "Red Tide," which is a harmful algal bloom (HAB). One of the most commonly known HABs in the United States occurs nearly every summer along Florida's Gulf Coast, and we're noticing its presence in South Walton this week.
Do not panic. This will come to an end. However, anyone with minor to severe respiratory issues should use their best judgement when visiting the beach. In case of respiratory emergency, alert the nearest lifeguard or call 911.
As a warning, South Walton Fire District is flying the Purple Flag to indicate a large presence of dangerous marine life or pests (algae). Be safe out there!
Learn more here:
Red Tide Reports and Information for South Walton & 30A Florida
Red Tide can ruin a day at the beach in Walton County, Florida. Luckily, Red Tide is pretty rare in South Walton. The 30A beaches rarely get Red Tide, but when it come it is no fun. Red Tide can ruin a vacation if it is present in the Gulf of Mexico. Although sometimes it is mild and people...
sowal.com
What is a red tide?
A red tide is one type of harmful algal bloom. Blooms occur when colonies of algae--simple ocean plants that live in the sea--grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds.
oceanservice.noaa.gov
