Posted on 6/17/2016By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team
Our Ocean Reef Resorts guests come here to enjoy the beautiful beach. Sugary white sand shores and the glowing jewel toned gulf are hard to beat! We've been providing fine distinctive vacation rentals to our esteemed guests for decades and many are right on the beach from Destin to Miramar Beach and all along Scenic 30A in South Walton. Some of you may be new to the shore scene and since not too many places in America are located on a wonderful beach you may need a few beach safety tips from locals.
DESTIN BEACH SAFETY TIP #1 :: WATCH FOR THE BEACH FLAGS
The Emerald Coast has a special flag system to let you know what to expect in the gulf on any given day as far as swimming conditions are concerned. These colorful flags are flown at all beach access locations to let you know about current water conditions. These flags are Green, Yellow, Purple and Red. A green flag flying means conditions are calm, waves are low and there are no notable water hazards. Yellow urges swimmers to use caution since it means that waves are moderately high and there may be unexpected currents. Purple means there may be hazardous marine life present which usually means jelly fish. Red flags signify that conditions are considered very challenging with high waves, strong surf and associated currents so only experienced swimmers should brave the waters. When Double Red Flags are flying the water is considered dangerous and closed to all swimmers by law. This usually only happens when a strong storm is brewing off shore.
DESTIN BEACH SAFETY TIP #2 :: SPOT AND NAVIAGTE RIP CURRENTS
Inexperienced swimmers may be swept away when they get caught in rip currents which are sometimes misnamed "undertows". Rip currents do NOT ever suck or tow you underwater so the term undertow is false. However a rip current can be deadly if you panic and don't navigate them correctly. A rip current is simply a river or stream of water that temporarily flows a fairly short distance from the shore into the open gulf. They are formed by tides that can create a deep eddy of water near the beach developed by a sand bar. Eventually the sandbar breaks from wave action at a certain point and the water behind it simply flows out into the gulf for a few minutes. The current can be rather rapid but it does not suck you under. It can catch unsuspecting swimmers off guard, they panic and swim directly into the on-coming current which is virtually impossible. All you need to do if you get caught in one is keep your cool and swim sideways along the shore. You will leave this narrow "river" of water and be able to easily swim back to shore. You can also ride it out and float on the current until it stops which of course it always does! However rip currents may take you up to 50 or more yards out so you will have a longer swim back to the beach. You can sometimes spot a rip current since they look like a surface stream of water pouring out away from the shore. Watch out for long sandbars that have a lot of fairly deep water paralleling the beach with open water beyond since waves can cause a breach.
Related article:
Destin Beach Safety
Welcome to Ocean Reef Resorts, the gateway to the stunning white sands and emerald waters of Scenic 30A and Destin's award-winning beaches. While we are excited to share the wonders of Destin your safety and enjoyment remain our top priority. Let's make your visit to Destin a treasure trove of happy, safe memories!
DESTIN BEACH SAFETY TIP #3 :: BE AWARE OF SEA LIFE
DESTIN BEACH SAFETY TIP #4 :: WATCH THE WEATHER
DESTIN BEACH SAFETY TIP #5 :: BE AWARE OF THE SUN
The tropical sun is hotter in Florida than elsewhere since we're closer to the equator than most of the nation and it makes a big difference. The sugary powder white color of our quartz crystal sand here also can exacerbate this potential problem since it reflects the rays and the sand is usually not hot. That and the fact that there is almost always a nice gulf breeze make you unaware of the sun's intensity. You should always wear sun screen in Destin of at least 30 or more. Total sun block should be used by all fair skinned beachgoers especially on the first day down. Remember too that ultraviolet rays go through clouds easily so be sure to use sunscreen at all times to avoid being burned. Also stay hydrated throughout the day with water or non-alcoholic beverages to avoid heat exhaustion. Save those cold Coronas, delicious daiquiris or pina coladas for the evenings!
Now you know what the locals know to be safe on the beach in Destin. Have a wonderful time at the beach residing at your own piece of paradise. Ocean Reef Resorts would love to have you as our guests. See you soon!
The Ocean Reef Editorial Team leads the market in vacation rental, real estate, and coastal lifestyle content, with decades of Destin & 30A expertise behind every story. As the area's largest locally owned and longest continually operating vacation rental company, we welcome over 200,000 guests each year and reach millions who dream of the beach. Our guides serve travelers, homeowners, and locals alike, sharing authentic knowledge you can trust-because this coast isn't just where we work, it's where our story began, and where we'll continue to welcome generations to come.
