NAVARRE — Navarre Beach lifeguard season ends Sunday, Oct. 29. People should exercise caution when visiting the beach and swimming in the gulf, especially when lifeguards are not present.
Current beach-condition flag warnings are posted daily at each public access area and online at a www.santarosa.fl.gov. Here is an explanation of each warning:
- Green flag: Low hazards and calm conditions are present, but exercise caution.
- Yellow flag: Moderate surf and currents are present. Exercise extreme caution when entering the water.
- Red flag: Strong currents and high surf conditions exist. No swimming or wading is permitted.
- Double red flags: Only used during extreme conditions, double red flags indicate the water is closed to the public.
- Purple flag: Dangerous marine life — such as jellyfish, stingrays or sharks — may be present. Use caution in the water.
The most common reason for water emergencies is a lack of safety knowledge. While visiting the beach, follow these life-saving tips:
- Always abide by the beach-warning flag system.
- Never swim alone.
- Supervise children closely.
- Don't rely on flotation devices.
- Alcohol and swimming don't mix.
- Never dive into unfamiliar waters; always jump in feet first the first time
- Don't swim at dawn, dusk or at night; these are times when sharks feed.
- The beach is a dangerous location during lightning storms. When thunder roars, go indoors.
Learn how to break the grip of the rip current. Don't fight against the current; swim parallel to shore until you are free, then back to shore at an angle.
Call 981-8888 to report hazardous conditions to beach management personnel.
Since the season began March 13, lifeguards performed 72 rescues or assists in guarded areas of Navarre Beach and 33 rescues or assists in unguarded areas to swimmers experiencing severe or moderate distress in the water.
Lifeguards made contact with beachgoers more than 22,000 times during the 2017 season, providing information about rip currents, beach condition flags and other safety tips.
Source: Santa Rosa County
BY THE NUMBERS
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Navarre Beach lifeguard season ends Oct. 29