today's drowning in the water around 30-A

[Paula]

Not all of the poles have been replaced.

Flag conditions here:
http://www.swfd.org

Thanks Kurt. Very helpful! Not everyone has internet at their rentals, but if they do, they may want to post the swfd link for guests, perhaps near where they post the "heed the flags" notices (again, we framed a copy of the South Walton crab flier and put the framed picture in the cottages -- it's attractive and eye catching and it shows guests we care...).

 

[Kurt]

Paula you may be interested in this. Recently in a rental I saw the front page of the Walton Sun laminated from last year following the multiple drownings we had. The whole page was about the flag system, the types of dangers, and details of the tragedy. I couldn't think of anything more powerful to educate renters. If you contact them they may be able to get you a copy to laminate.

 

[Smiling JOe]

What is so difficult to understand? we need to post pictures of dead stick people in an open coffin?

 

[FoX]

I see so many people these days read a sign and then do it anyway. There seems to be a pervasive mentality of "I'm different" or "I'm special" or "I'm above that". When I was growing up I was one of the few people that felt that way now everyone does.

 

[Miss Kitty]

What is so difficult to understand? we need to post pictures of dead stick people in an open coffin?

Amen!

 

[EZ4144]

The gulf is not a country club pool. If you can't swim good stay out of the water.

 

[Paula]

Paula you may be interested in this. Recently in a rental I saw the front page of the Walton Sun laminated from last year following the multiple drownings we had. The whole page was about the flag system, the types of dangers, and details of the tragedy. I couldn't think of anything more powerful to educate renters. If you contact them they may be able to get you a copy to laminate.

Thanks, Kurt. I can probably get the article online as well since I subscribe to the Walton Sun. Good idea to be even more specific about the risks. There are so many other things to do other than go in the water when the danger flags are up -- we have a great pool, great porch, great stuff to do on 30A and elsewhere nearby, and one can always go to the beach and play ball, read, build sandcastles without going in the water.

As you know, I like getting and giving information on best practices for rentals -- everyone gains when we take care of our guests in SoWal.

 

[Kurt]

Thanks, Kurt. I can probably get the article online as well since I subscribe to the Walton Sun. Good idea to be even more specific about the risks. There are so many other things to do other than go in the water when the danger flags are up -- we have a great pool, great porch, great stuff to do on 30A and elsewhere nearby, and one can always go to the beach and play ball, read, build sandcastles without going in the water.

As you know, I like getting and giving information on best practices for rentals -- everyone gains when we take care of our guests in SoWal.

They'll have to get it out of the archive. I'll make a call to see if they will do a joint project with us.

 

[Moondance]

The gulf is not a country club pool. If you can't swim good stay out of the water.

What if you can't talk good, any limitations there?

 

[Moondance]

Each renter should get a simple pamphlet explaining the dangers of the ocean when they sign there rental agreement or make payment. For those of us ignorant of the dangers you can go to the following site:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/rip-current.htm

Thanks to all for the great info and up to date pictures of the beaches of South Walton. Canceled our August trip but hope to enjoy time there this winter.

In addition, we have prepared a notebook for our renters with any number of pieces of cautionary and orientation/helpful information. For example, from an earlier post, I found the following and will be adding it to our book:

http://www.swfd.org/watersafety.php

Good stuff available on this board and available generally on the internet.