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-Our-Swimmers/145909465474701
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.
