Double Reds this morning?

[Paige]

What time do they change the flags in the morning? They were double red yesturday, starting early in the afternoon. I had hoped thet would be down graded when I got tro the beach this morning.

I rented a paddle board for the week and would like to ride some waves. I got enough of Western Lake, now I need the wave action. Thw water is beautiful with a nice bit of serve.

[scooterbug44]

Double reds this morning. I believe it is because of Tropical Storm Eduard churning up the gulf. :wave:

[Andy A.]

I only hope everyone obeys the double red flags. I just came in from the walkover and you can pick out where the rip currents probably are located from so high above. Four drownings and twenty rescued yesterday at PCB. We certainly don't want that or need that here. At first I wasn't sure the life guard program was a good thing but I am definitely convinced now that it was the right way to go.

[luvthebeach57]

We arrived on Saturday to red flags. Yesterday and today there are double red flags. We are very disappointed not to be able to go in the water, but realize the flag system is for our protection. We're hoping we will be able to go swimming later this week. I'm sure tropical storm Edouard will be kicking up the surf for the next few days.

Is it usual to have red and double red flags flying in August? Or is this unusual? In over 30 years of going to the beach, I've never encountered this before.

:(

[scooterbug44]

Go to Grayton - you can still be at the beach and play in water - but safely! :wave:

[analogman]

For current flag conditions go here:
http://www.swfd.org/

And, better safe than sorry!!

And to Luvthebeach57, this beach is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get...no matter what time of year it is. I've seen double red and green flags in every month since I started coming down here 16 years ago. Just wait a day or two. Things may be completely different. Walking in deep sand is great exercise anyway! And don't the waves sound wonderful?

[tsutcli]

Read in the paper this morning that there was 4 rescues on the beach between Inlet and Seagrove yesterday in spite of the double red flags. I wonder if our beach patrols gave out any tickets, it didn't say. If not they need to be more consistent about this. Hate to say it, and it may sound cold, but maybe a few drownings might get peoples attention. The TDC would never do it but maybe they ought to think about posting a notice on the beachs where drownings take place about the occurence.
Now I'm sure I will be castigated for this post, most asuredly from those with business interests in getting people on the beach. Kind of remindes me of Jaws when the sheriff wanted to close the beachs - stick your heads in the sand.

[scooterbug44]

Both the Sheriff and a lifeguard drove past swimmers in the water when I was at the beach - if a red is flying, I think ticketing folks is a better deterrent than scaring them w/ drowning stats.

[tsutcli]

That's the problem scooterbug, the people just go right back in the water after the police leave. Talking to a buddy about this today and he said that's what he observed happening on the beach yesterday. All too typical. MAybe a significant fine would help - $500/first offense. It is not possible that anybody could claim ignorance of the meaning of the flag system so a first offense ticket is jusified IMO.

[Bobby J]

Keep in mind if you surf you can go out in Double reds. We wait for days like this! :clap:

[greenroomsurfer]

Get in the WATER KOOK!!!!!!:biggrin:;-):idontno:

[Bobby J]

Get in the WATER KOOK!!!!!!:biggrin:;-):idontno:

Get in? I just got out! Trying to rest for Costa a little. Remember, I am old! Did I see you last night at ED?

[enfuego]

Both the Sheriff and a lifeguard drove past swimmers in the water when I was at the beach - if a red is flying, I think ticketing folks is a better deterrent than scaring them w/ drowning stats.


And that is the problem, they (lifeguards/WCSO) direct them to stay out of the water and they wait until they are past and get back in. I like the idea of tickets but what can we SOWALLERS do? Telling them to get in the water in places such as Grayton is helping when there are double reds and people have drowned???:idontno:

[ASH]

I heard that when patrols have ignorant people insisting on going in the water with double flags, they ask them for information regarding next of kin so they know who to call when the idiot doesn't make it back in.
Why do so many people think they can swim better than everybody else who already drowned this year.
And it is so unfair to all the rescue people to expect them to risk their own life out of someone's ignorance. :bang:

[scooterbug44]

And that is the problem, they (lifeguards/WCSO) direct them to stay out of the water and they wait until they are past and get back in. I like the idea of tickets but what can we SOWALLERS do? Telling them to get in the water in places such as Grayton is helping when there are double reds and people have drowned???:idontno:

I was telling them to go to Grayton so they can swim/play in the outfall/lake, not the ocean.

[Smiling JOe]

Andy A, like you, I wasn't so sure about the lifeguard program being good for us, because I thought there was potential for too much policing, but after what I've seen, I know the program is an excellent one. Gary Wise and his guards are to be commended and respected.

I like the idea of ticketing people for entering closed waters, but I can see the problem with people not carrying their ID and giving false information to the cops if they know they are about to get a ticket.

Paddle Boards in this area are new. Current laws require a tethered leash to the surfboard, and I think the paddleboards would not be permitted on double red flags, unlike their close cousin, the surfboard.

[greenroomsurfer]

Get in? I just got out! Trying to rest for Costa a little. Remember, I am old! Did I see you last night at ED?Si Senor

[greenroomsurfer]

Las Olas grande!!!!

[enfuego]

Thanks for clearing that up Scooterbug

[ShallowsNole]

Psst...they are ticketing. :cool:

[seagrovegirl]

Psst...they are ticketing. :cool:

It's my understanding that the SO is not ticketing , unless you know something other than what I've been told....please tell...it will be helpful info for me to bring to the fire district.

[ShallowsNole]

It's my understanding that the SO is not ticketing , unless you know something other than what I've been told....please tell...it will be helpful info for me to bring to the fire district.

Well, somebody is writing the $100 citations that several very unhappy beachgoers called our office about today. Our copies haven't been turned in yet, but it seems that quite a few folks have been pinched by Seemore the Safety Crab since the double reds have been up...

[seagrovegirl]

That is GRAYT news!!!!!!!!!! :clap:
Most visitors are gracious and understanding, even thankful for the education the lifeguards give them to keep them safe. Some, locals even, are abusive and rude when asked to please get out of the water. There was an "almost" altercation where a couple lifeguards thought it best to back away than to get in the middle of a scuffle.

IMO, the ticketing will get the attention of the beach safety abusers and back up the lifeguards and SO officers.

[sowalgayboi]

Good, the county needs the money and I'll bet those folks won't get back in.

[scooterbug44]

Double red flags flying this morning too - for the clueless that means STAY OUT OF THE WATER!!!

[luvthebeach57]

The double-red flags have been changed to red flags as of 8:30 this morning. The wind has diminished greatly and the waves are much smaller.

Yesterday, as we walked along the beach at Watersound, we observed two different groups of teenagers swimming while the red flags were up. Not too smart.

[luvthebeach57]

Just got back from a walk on the beach. There is no breeze blowing at all. The water is much clearer today. It's going to be a hot one!

[Miss Kitty]

Just got back from a walk on the beach. There is no breeze blowing at all. The water is much clearer today. It's going to be a hot one!

:wave:...thanks for the update.

[sowalgayboi]

Just got back from a walk on the beach. There is no breeze blowing at all. The water is much clearer today. It's going to be a hot one!

Still better than Dallas.

[Miss Kitty]

Still better than Dallas.

:floor:...just wait until poor DD sees this!

[dunelover]

Still better than Dallas.
I bet they get cooled off from eduard, but here in okc it is supposed to be 106 again.....:eek:

[Andy A.]

Keep in mind if you surf you can go out in Double reds. We wait for days like this! :clap:
I talked to Jack S about this last night and it is only a suggestion. Some indication that surfers should be put on the "Double Red Flag" explaination such as (Surfers excepted). Some beachgoers see the surfers out during double red flag days and figure they can go in too, not realizing the degree that surfers are familar with the ocean and its currents. Just a suggestion.

[Miss Kitty]

I bet they get cooled off from eduard, but here in okc it is supposed to be 106 again.....:eek:

The Hockaday School, Dallas, Texas (PWS)
Updated: 10 min 8 sec ago
http://icons-pe.wxug.com/i/c/a/mostlycloudy.gif91.0 °F / 32.8 °C
Mostly Cloudy
Humidity:50%Dew Point:70 °F / 21 °C Wind:9.0 mph / 14.5 km/h / 4.0 m/s from the North http://icons-pe.wxug.com/graphics/360arrows_blue.gif
Wind Gust:20.0 mph / 32.2 km/h Pressure:30.01 in / 1016.1 hPa (Falling) Heat Index:97 °F / 36 °C
:clap:...you are correct! Look at the reporting location at the top...it's sarafunn's alma mater!!!

[DD]

:floor:...just wait until poor DD sees this!

I LOVE SUMMER!:biggrin:

[sowalgayboi]

I LOVE SUMMER!:biggrin:

Clearly you've been in the heat too long. :biggrin:

[Miss Kitty]

Clearly you've been in the heat too long. :biggrin:

I love her, but on this one she is pucking looney tunes. I mean come on...you can pick fall or spring, but a TEXAS summer???? :blink:

[sowalgayboi]

I love her, but on this one she is pucking looney tunes. I mean come on...you can pick fall or spring, but a TEXAS summer???? :blink:

Ranks right up there with people who chase tornados or enjoy :blink: hurricanes.

[NoHall]

Ranks right up there with people who chase tornados or enjoy :blink: hurricanes.



I love tornado season...please don't tell anyone...:blush: :leaving:

[sowalgayboi]

I love tornado season...please don't tell anyone...:blush: :leaving:

Then you'll love love love www.tornadovideos.net (http://www.tornadovideos.net). ;-)

[NoHall]

When my brain comes back from vacation, I'll check that out! Looks complicated...

[sowalgayboi]

When my brain comes back from vacation, I'll check that out! Looks complicated...

Not really, they have archived footage and they stream live when they are chasing tornados.

[Kashmir]

The conditions of the water are reported by the beach safety director of South Walton Fire District a minimum of twice a day ( 9 am and 1 pm ). These conditions dictate the color of the flag. Obvioulsly, if the conditions change prior to these times, the flags change as well. It takes some time to manually change all of the flags. If you're not sure log on to swfd.org. That is very accurate.
From first hand experience, most people just don't know or dont' care what color the flags are. Instead of double or single red maybe they could fly a black flag with a shark's mouth. I know it would keep me out how about you?

[NoHall]

How about instead of a beach patrol truck with a guy and a bullhorn, they just put someone in a boat with a huge supply of chum?

I know it's been posted before, but: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJnxYsZNzwM

[sowalgayboi]

I wonder what it would take for the SWFD to set up a call in line with the current surf conditions?

[ohmom]

I was thinking the same thing...as a visitor to sowal I've seen info on the flag system in rental units, but as others have noted the flags are not easily seen from all parts of the beach.
A local phone number to call with current beach advisories would be a great help. Here at home we have the time/temp number...it's been around forever. It has a brief advertising message and then the info. Maybe a local business would help foot the cost of a dedicated phone number in return for the brief advertisement. I nominate Publix since I've read on another thread about how profitable their store on 395 is...Avacados on special...double red flags so make guacamole today!

[BeachSiO2]

I wonder what it would take for the SWFD to set up a call in line with the current surf conditions?

I was thinking the same thing...as a visitor to sowal I've seen info on the flag system in rental units, but as others have noted the flags are not easily seen from all parts of the beach.
A local phone number to call with current beach advisories would be a great help. Here at home we have the time/temp number...it's been around forever. It has a brief advertising message and then the info. Maybe a local business would help foot the cost of a dedicated phone number in return for the brief advertisement. I nominate Publix since I've read on another thread about how profitable their store on 395 is...Avacados on special...double red flags so make guacamole today!

That's a good question. Here is their beach safety page... http://www.swfd.org/beachsd.php

I have just called their number before when I was on the beach and needed to know. It is a non-emergency number, (850) 267-1298, and if they got too many calls to handle I bet they would automate it.

[ohmom]

So is there a chamber of commerce there that could appeal to the business community for sponsorship of a local, call in water safety advisory number? Would that be the province of the tdc?
I don't want to tie up the swfd phone lines...there has to be a more positive approach. Maybe hearing a human voice (albeit a recorded one) would have more affect on stubborn/stupid visitors who ignore the flag system. There's is no 100% cure for the thickness of some humans. Twenty some years ago, at Myrtle Beach, my husband pulled a kid out of a rip current. The child's parent was oblivious. But I saw the look in my husband's eye...he was scared of what could have happened to the child and him. I know he'd do the same today, trying to save someone because in his mind he's still 30 years old.
Being attached to the old cutie, I think the more that can be reasonably done to educate about safety, the better!
As for me and mine, we vow to obey the flags, dig no holes, remove everything from the beach at night, pick up our trash, plus the trash of others, and thank any and all safety workers we might see...see you on the sand soon!

[BeachSiO2]

So is there a chamber of commerce there that could appeal to the business community for sponsorship of a local, call in water safety advisory number? Would that be the province of the tdc?
I don't want to tie up the swfd phone lines...there has to be a more positive approach. Maybe hearing a human voice (albeit a recorded one) would have more affect on stubborn/stupid visitors who ignore the flag system.

In this case, I think the best course of action would be to have the SWFD do it and this is why. They are legally responsible for making the call. If there is a change made- they know immediately, not after a few minutes of tracking down the right person to record a message, etc. This is why they are the group responsible for changing the flags also. I do not see the benefit in adding another layer to this type of disbursement of information, especially since it would require a small effort and cost.

Give them a call and ask if they could do it, they would probably think it was a pretty good idea.

[Kashmir]

Two years ago I attended a seminar regarding public service announcements. There is a way that the flag conditions, foul weather conditions and just about any other important event can be transmitted over your am/fm stereo. Of course as with all good ideas, money is the determining factor. Funny, most of us make our living off of the beach and the people that come down here to enjoy it, but we as a county give very little back in the form of safety. I agree that each individual person must be responsible for themselves. However, we have to provide better protection not just for Tourist Tom, but for the other people that work and live here.

[scooterbug44]

Funny, most of us make our living off of the beach and the people that come down here to enjoy it, but we as a county give very little back in the form of safety. I agree that each individual person must be responsible for themselves. However, we have to provide better protection not just for Tourist Tom, but for the other people that work and live here.

I've traveled all over the country/world and have yet to see anything even remotely approaching the level of safety notices, signage, and beach services we have here in Sowal. :idontno: