🚩 BEACH SAFETY UPDATE | 6/5/26 🚩
Current flag conditions across our area:
🔴🔴 Double Red Flags
• Navarre Beach
• Pensacola Beach
• Gulf Shores
• Orange Beach
🔴 Single Red Flags
• Destin-Fort Walton Beach
• Panama City Beach
• Walton County Beaches
What does a single red flag mean?
A single red flag means dangerous surf and deadly rip currents are present. While the water is not closed, beach safety officials often remind visitors that “knee deep is too deep” during red flag conditions. Personally, as a local, I wouldn’t even go ankle deep in conditions like these.
What does a double red flag mean?
A double red flag means the water is closed to the public. Stay out of the Gulf.
Every time we post about dangerous beach conditions, we see comments saying, “It’s only a single red flag. I can still get in the water.”
Maybe that’s true from a rules standpoint, but I view that as a selfish way of looking at it.
The question shouldn’t be whether you can get in the water. The question should be whether you should.
When you enter the water during dangerous conditions, you’re not only putting your own life at risk, you’re potentially putting the lives of lifeguards, first responders, and rescuers at risk too. Every year, we see rescuers lose their lives trying to save others from rip currents and rough surf.
Please respect the flags. They’re flying for a reason.
And remember: some of y’all treat the Gulf like you treat your relationships. Red flags doesn’t mean dive right in. 🚩😂