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Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Poles Installed to Mark Reef Location

Teresa avatar
SoWal Guide
2,318 views3
Recent installation on the beach at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park by Walton County TDC.

".. to install markers to aid visitors in locating the Sea Horse Reef South Walton Artificial Reef Association installed just off the park's shoreline a few years ago. They also brought a beautiful information sign as well."

Wow on the poles erected on the beach. Overkill or a good way to mark the spot? Is this necessary for swimmers as a guide from the water?

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Replies

6
boomerang avatar
Beach Lover
#2
kinda big and why not just the sign??
Will B avatar
Moderator
#4
As ugly as they are put yourself in the shoes (or fins) of a diver swimming out to the reef. They are big enough for somebody that far out to be able to be seen from the surface of the water in whatever waves may be present. You line them up so you only see one pole, and you know that you will swim right over the reef.

But they are SO ugly...
Teresa avatar
SoWal GuideAuthor
#5
As ugly as they are put yourself in the shoes (or fins) of a diver swimming out to the reef. They are big enough for somebody that far out to be able to be seen from the surface of the water in whatever waves may be present. You line them up so you only see one pole, and you know that you will swim right over the reef.

But they are SO ugly...

I can understand this and figured there was a method to the marker. There are several places where reefs have been installed so I suppose we will see more poles. Wish we could have other ways such as GPS or an app or something that doesn't impact the beach especially our preserved beaches
Will B avatar
Moderator
#6
There are GPS "watches" for scuba, but they are almost prohibitively expensive. Don't know of many phones that are gonna run apps underwater!
FactorFiction avatar
Beach Fanatic
#7
I'm sure that yellow is highly visible, but it doesn't come close to being beachy in any way! Seems like there might be a shade of blue or green that would work.

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