I don't think the double red flag signal was used until the mid 2000s. I remember a woman from Indiana, about 20 min. from here, drowned at Grayton, the week before our visit. Until then, I got the feeling that those in charge didn't want to publicize the dangers.
Since visiting this board and our traveling regularly down there, we are aware of the dangers, but considering the percentage of Americans who watch Jerry Springer type television and vote for 'fill in the blank', I doubt if they are aware of the dangers when they head south for a beach vacation.
Perhaps digital signs, stating the number of deaths so far this year due to drownings, would be helpful. Those small portable signs that restaurants and stores use. We have traffic signs here in Louisville that update the vehicular deaths on the digital signs when there isn't a traffic issue.
The crosses placed by a loved one, near the scene of a deadly accident, are chilling reminders of how deadly our roads can be. Heading to Cincy on I-71 there is a permanent sign reminding us of terrible bus crash in the 1980s.
I think a digital update would be helpful. It's not going to keep people from coming down here, I don't think.
(What's going to keep people from coming down here is the 'quality' of the water. Unfortunately, the algae, or whatever, is becoming a constant and seldom do we have warm water and clear water at the same time - at least a week's worth. We do enjoy 30A and walk, ride our bikes, sit near the water, dine out, but when it comes down to basics, getting in the water and staying there for hours at a time is the best part of the day, during a summer vacation visit.)
See you soon, Ellen
