• Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
  • Hello all! We will be performing a website & forum update soon. You may get logged out so now is the time to make sure your email address in your account is correct - go to your account to check it and update it now. Send us a message with your username and/or email address if you need help.

Beach Safety

New posts
Fortunately, I've never had to deal with a rip current,nor has anyone in my family. But we have two rental cottages in Seacrest Beach and we framed those nice crab posters you put out and put them right next to the dining room table so that guests are likely to see them. We'll probably frame a few more (they're pretty nice framed, small but colorful and the frames are inexpensive ones from Target) and put them in the bathrooms because we're pretty sure people will read them in there. It's often the visitors to the area who aren't aware who get taken away by the rip currents. I tell them to "think like a local" and pay attention to the flags -- guests like to think they're "thinking like locals". Thanks for your efforts in keeping the citizens and guests safe.
 
You can do almost everything, but some idiot will always feel superior to mother nature and warnings and go in. Currently every renter that comes into our office is forcible made to go over the flag system pamphlet (we always give kids the seymore coloring book since they love to point out mommy or daddy is doing something there not supposed to), we make it clear that the aussie guy will arrest them if they don't listen, we have magnets on the fridge, we put the window clings on the sliding glass doors and front door (if glass), and yet some people still don't get it. How about a forced orientation as they come down 331? They have to pull in, watch a video, and take a 10 question test? I like the idea of a DVD in rental units, but then you have people that will take them as mementos. The other issue with the DVD would be the cost, there are probably 4k-5k rental units in South Walton.
 
sowalgaboi, regarding costs of DVD's, copying 5000 DVDs shouldn't be too expensive, less than $2 each, and could be much less when purchased in bulk. Compare that to the expense of the emergency response team to respond to one drowning victim, and you will see that the costs decrease for every victim not needing to be rescued. I bet the emergency room bill for one person would also be pricey. The DVD costs could also be offset with advertising dollars, making it no cost. Remember, the TDC is funded from bedtax dollars and the tourists are paying for their own DVDs.

When they get the expanded four lane toll bridge built, maybe they could hand out pamphlets on how to escape and survive rip currents. You would have a captured audience for the next five minutes, prior to them hitting the beach.
 
Smiling JOe said:
sowalgaboi, regarding costs of DVD's, copying 5000 DVDs shouldn't be too expensive, less than $2 each, and could be much less when purchased in bulk. Compare that to the expense of the emergency response team to respond to one drowning victim, and you will see that the costs decrease for every victim not needing to be rescued. I bet the emergency room bill for one person would also be pricey. The DVD costs could also be offset with advertising dollars, making it no cost. Remember, the TDC is funded from bedtax dollars and the tourists are paying for their own DVDs.

When they get the expanded four lane toll bridge built, maybe they could hand out pamphlets on how to escape and survive rip currents. You would have a captured audience for the next five minutes, prior to them hitting the beach.
Click to expand...

I have always wondered why "victims" who go out when a red or double red flag is flying are not charged for the cost of rescuing them?
 
Wow! Love how you guys think! The DVD is a great idea. We could play in the Visitor Center, offer in rental units and offer to local movie theaters. We didn't budget for that this year but will definitely get cost quotes for next.

Smiling Joe - I'd like to take you up on that demonstration. Please contact me offline (tlouthain@beachesofsouthwalton.com).

Beach House 25 - I really appreciate the offer and will definitely be in touch.

SinginChicken - If you're friend is willing. I'd really like to talk to him. That is the number one way people drown is saving someone else. If we can use his story to drive that message home and safe a life. Wow!

Please keep the ideas coming!
 
I'm concerned that the tourists who do actually watch the dvd will think they don't have to obey the flags because they now know how to "beat the rip currents".

I'm all for charging the idiots who won't stay out of the water when there are red flags and endanger those who try to save them.

Kudos on the flag system! It is so easy to understand and well publicized I have friends WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN HERE who know how it works.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
New posts


Sign Up for SoWal Newsletter









Share this page




                               
Back
Top