SWFD has been flying a single RED Flag over Purple Flag for the last few days and has issued clarification about what the RED FLAG means regarding surf conditions. The Purple indicates the presence of marine pests such as jelly fish in the water.
Single Red Flag = High Hazard
Here is a statement issued today by SWFD Beach Safety.
SINGLE RED FLAGS ARE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY!
For the record, when flying single Red Flags, it is not illegal to enter the water.
That doesn’t mean it is safe!
The consequences of ignoring the warnings during single Red Flags can be tragic.
SWFD Lifeguards responded to a Water Rescue this afternoon in a secondary zone - an unguarded beach - that involved 2 young men who went too far out trying to body surf the second wave break @ 100 meters offshore.
One patient who was unharmed after rescue relayed to SWFD that: the two simply went too far out, became exhausted, and his companion suffered a drowning incident which required transport to the ER.
When we repeat the mantras that "Knee Deep is TOO Deep" and "Stay Close to Shore" on single Red Flag days, we have a great reason to do so.
We stand in strong support of the existing Beach Safety Flag Warning system that we use - codified by Florida law, which is based on the the United States Lifesaving Association & the International Lifesaving Association's criteria.
The flag warning system is clear, concise, and effective when people learn and heed its warnings.
Know the flags. Obey the warnings!
Be safe out there!
Single Red Flag = High Hazard
Here is a statement issued today by SWFD Beach Safety.
SINGLE RED FLAGS ARE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY!
For the record, when flying single Red Flags, it is not illegal to enter the water.
That doesn’t mean it is safe!
The consequences of ignoring the warnings during single Red Flags can be tragic.
SWFD Lifeguards responded to a Water Rescue this afternoon in a secondary zone - an unguarded beach - that involved 2 young men who went too far out trying to body surf the second wave break @ 100 meters offshore.
One patient who was unharmed after rescue relayed to SWFD that: the two simply went too far out, became exhausted, and his companion suffered a drowning incident which required transport to the ER.
When we repeat the mantras that "Knee Deep is TOO Deep" and "Stay Close to Shore" on single Red Flag days, we have a great reason to do so.
We stand in strong support of the existing Beach Safety Flag Warning system that we use - codified by Florida law, which is based on the the United States Lifesaving Association & the International Lifesaving Association's criteria.
The flag warning system is clear, concise, and effective when people learn and heed its warnings.
Know the flags. Obey the warnings!
Be safe out there!
