Remember Safety when at the Beach

The sugary white sands of Pensacola, Navarre and Gulf Islands National Seashore attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to our area throughout the year. It is important for locals and these guests to understand and consider the following tips for safety at the beach.

The danger of rip currents far outweighs the danger of being bitten by a shark! As a result of past hurricanes the nearshore sandbars along our beaches have changed and the frequency of rip currents has increased. A rip current is a turbulent, fast flowing current that can carry a swimmer out to sea very quickly. The currents are formed when water rushes out to sea in a narrow path (like a break in the nearshore sandbar or from an obstruction of the current caused by a groin or jetty or other type of barrier). Rip currents can last for a few hours or may be permanent; they usually exist when the surf is rough and after storms.

Some signs of rip currents include:

· A difference in water color. The water may be murkier from increased sediments or appear darker because it is deeper.

· The waves may appear to be larger and choppier.

· Foam or objects are carried directly out to sea, or debris or vegetation may appear perpendicular to the shore at the site of a rip current.

· As the water rushes out to sea, a bowl-like indentation may be apparent on the shore.

Rip currents are usually present if the surf is very rough. Be aware of warning flags that are flown along our beaches. A Red Flag means dangerous conditions; avoid any water contact! Yellow flags mean to take caution when entering the water. A green flag indicates that conditions are safe for swimming. Remember, always use common sense and swim responsibly. Call 850-932-SURF for current surf conditions.

If you are caught in a rip current, don’t panic or try to swim against the current. Swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current. Rip currents are rarely more than 30 feet wide. If you can’t break out of the current, float calmly until it dissipates, usually just beyond the breakers. Then swim diagonally to shore. If you don’t swim well, stay in wading depths and watch for sudden drop-offs.

When swimming at the beach it is important to remember that the Gulf of Mexico is a wilderness not a swimming pool. Use common sense when enjoying this vast body of water. Some tips to remember include:

· Swim near a lifeguard.

· Respect the beach and water environment.

· Know your swimming abilities and limits.

· Swim in groups; never swim alone.

· Be aware of weather conditions; get out of the water and away from the beach during electrical storms.

· Don’t swim in murky waters or between dusk and dawn.

· Stay calm in the event of an emergency.

· Pay attention to beach warning flags and lifeguards.

· Don’t swim if bleeding or menstruating.

· Avoid swimming in areas where people are fishing.

· Always wear sunscreen or protect your skin with clothing.

Follow these tips to help make a visit to the beach a safe one! For more information concerning marine and environmental issues contact Chris Verlinde, UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Sea Grant Extension Agent at 623-3868 or email cmverlinde@mail.ifas.ufl.edu .