SWIM SAFELY
SWFD Lifeguards will begin their season on March 14th, 2015. If you decide to enter the water before then, please check the beach flags and surf conditions before doing so. SWFD updates those conditions daily and can always be found on SWFD Facebook page and website www.swfd.org. For current surf conditions and flag updates text “"SAFETY" to 31279 to receive daily updates.
South Walton has eight regional public beach accesses with lifeguards. Lifeguarded beaches are available from mid-March through September, 10 AM - 6 PM. Know before you go! Check the flags via text updates and see flag at the beach access. Inlet Beach, Santa Clara, Van Ness Butler, Jr., Blue Mountain, Gulfview Heights, Ed Waline, Dune Allen and Miramar Beach. Lifeguards are provided by South Walton Fire District and funded as a part of the Visit South Walton Safety Program. (Number of lifeguarded beaches, dates and times subject to change).
Please remember to heed the beach flag warning system and enjoy a safe day at the beach!
What is the Beach Flag System?
The beach flags provide general warnings about overall surf conditions and do not specifically advise the public of the presence of rip currents. It is extremely important to monitor the beach flag warning system. Dangerous rip currents may exist in the water, but provide no visible indication from shore; i.e. large waves. This is especially true on our 26 miles of beach.
Flag colors are determined by the most dangerous surf or rip conditions within the county's beaches and the appropriate color flag or flags are flown at each beach access. Therefore, the conditions at the beach where you are visiting may appear less dangerous than the beach flags that are flying.
The South Walton Beach Safety Division is constantly monitoring the water conditions and weather forecast to provide the most accurate and timely water and surf information possible. Please remember to use caution at all times.
GREEN: LOW HAZARD - Calm Condition, Exercise Caution
YELLOW: MEDIUM HAZARD - Moderate Surf and/or Moderate Currents
RED: HIGH HAZARD - High Surf and/or Strong Currents
DOUBLE RED: WATER CLOSED TO PUBLIC
PURPLE: Marine Pests Present
DRIVE SAFELY
As always, stay alert any time you are behind the wheel, allow yourself extra time to get to your destination(s), expect delays during inclement weather and be mindful and aware of pedestrians and bikers. Remember during rain, braking distances may be altered. Avoid texting and driving…It’s Florida Law.
SWFD
South Walton Fire District is responsible for Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Material Mitigation, Public Fire/Life Safety Education, and Prevention duties for an area of 84 square miles within Walton County, Florida. This area runs from the Okaloosa/Walton County Line on the west, to the Walton/ Bay County Line on the east, and from the Choctawhatchee Bay (Intracoastal Waterway) north, to the Gulf of Mexico on the south. Included in this area are 26 miles of beaches and 26 miles of inland waterways. The population of South Walton ranges from 20,000 to over 100,000 during the tourist season.
Beach Safety Links
http://sowal.com/south-walton-beach-rules-and-safety-information
http://sowal.com/story/how-to-stay-safe-at-the-beach-in-south-walton
SWFD - BEACH
Beach Safety | Visit South Walton
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