Heed the red flag, folks

[TreeFrog]

They had to helicopter a guy out this AM near Ramsgate access. Seems he went in to rescue kids caught in the rip tide, then got caught himself. My neighbors said the lifeguard said he was conscious and breathing, so I hope he and the kids turn out fine.

Right there at the beach access the sign says "If there is wind or a red flag, ankle deep is too far". Seems clear to me.

 

[Smiling JOe]

They had to helicopter a guy out this AM near Ramsgate access. Seems he went in to rescue kids caught in the rip tide, then got caught himself. My neighbors said the lifeguard said he was conscious and breathing, so I hope he and the kids turn out fine.

Right there at the beach access the sign says "If there is wind or a red flag, ankle deep is too far". Seems clear to me.

That is why I keep a life jacket in each of my cars. ;-)

 

[Paula]

Just a question. If there are life guards, why do the life guards let people go in the water when there's a red flag? Do they have the authority to tell people to stay out of the water. Not that they should have to because adults should be safety minded anyway, especially when it comes to their kids.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Just a question. If there are life guards, why do the life guards let people go in the water when there's a red flag? Do they have the authority to tell people to stay out of the water. Not that they should have to because adults should be safety minded anyway, especially when it comes to their kids.

I cannot recall which of the 6 beach accesses were to be stationed with lifeguards, but some people do not give a crap about no stinkin' lifeguard anyway.

RO said that he heard that two girls drowned today, and one was still missing this afternoon. I did see a Coast Guard search plane fly over the beach around 4:30pm. If I hear the story on the news, I will post it here. Otherwise, I do not know what happened, and this story of the two girls could be all rumor and guesses.

 

[TreeFrog]

I can't speak to whether the drownings are rumor, but I know the incident I reported happened - I saw the helicopter landing about 10:30.

There isn't a lifeguard stationed at Ramsgate. Maybe someone called them.

 

[Paula]

So sad.

One thing I started doing this year is calling the guests who stay at our cottage rentals within the first few days of their trip to:

1. See if they have everything they need and if they have any questions.
2. Remind them of the beach flag system, let them know where the closest flags are, and ask them to take the warnings very seriously. I called them earlier today and told them that a few people almost drowned last week (I read that in the Walton Sun online over the weekend - lifeguard saved a child) and I wanted them all to stay safe.
3. Remind them to drive safely and let them know the police are out in the area and I wouldn't want them to get a $100+ ticket.

They really seem to appreciate the call from the owner of the cottage and, especially after reading this thread, I feel better having reminded them to stay safe. We spend most of our time on the phone talking about the fun stuff first, and then I remind them of the beach and road safety.

I also have the safety crab brochure cover with the flag system framed and put on the wall in the kitchen/dining area where people will notice it (master bathroom would be another good place to put it), as well as posted on the refrigerator.

 

[Smiling JOe]

From Ch 7, Panama City Beach, FL:
(no mention of the incident in Seagrove at this time)
**************************

One Drowns, Several Injured in Local Gulf Currents

It?s been a deadly afternoon in the Gulf at Panama City Beach. In a span of one hour local authorities were called to six water rescue calls.

One person drowned, a 20-year-old white male believed to be a spring breaker. His identity has not been made public.

document.write(''); He was found floating in the Gulf behind Top of the Gulf and Moon Drifter condominiums. That's in the 8800 block of Thomas Drive.

Witnesses say the man had apparently been floating under the water for a couple of minutes before he was rescued. He died enroute to the hospital.

One other person was hospitalized from water rescue calls Tuesday afternoon and several others were treated at the scene.

All involved were believed to be spring breakers.

Red Flags have been flying all day warning swimmers of the rough Gulf conditions.

 

[Cork On the Ocean]

So sad.

One thing I started doing this year is calling the guests who stay at our cottage rentals within the first few days of their trip to:

1. See if they have everything they need and if they have any questions.
2. Remind them of the beach flag system, let them know where the closest flags are, and ask them to take the warnings very seriously. I called them earlier today and told them that a few people almost drowned last week (I read that in the Walton Sun online over the weekend - lifeguard saved a child) and I wanted them all to stay safe.
3. Remind them to drive safely and let them know the police are out in the area and I wouldn't want them to get a $100+ ticket.

They really seem to appreciate the call from the owner of the cottage and, especially after reading this thread, I feel better having reminded them to stay safe. We spend most of our time on the phone talking about the fun stuff first, and then I remind them of the beach and road safety.

I also have the safety crab brochure cover with the flag system framed and put on the wall in the kitchen/dining area where people will notice it (master bathroom would be another good place to put it), as well as posted on the refrigerator.

Very nice touch Paula. It also lets them know that there's a real family that owns this place and reminds them to treat it like your home. Good Idea. Don't forget the dunes! :clap_1:

 

[Franny]

That is why I keep a life jacket in each of my cars. ;-)

That is an excellent idea SJ. It appears the man in south walton went in after his daughters. They managed to get out of the rip tide but he could not. He was breathing when he was Air Hearted. Also heard that someone was ticketed $250 for going into the water with double red flags flying. Hope this is true.

 

[TooFarTampa]

This is just harrowing. Paula once again I have to say I like your style.

Question about the flag system: I don't know if I've ever noticed that there is a flagpole near our beach access for Seacrest/Sunset Beach, though I've seen them elsewhere. Anyone know if there one? If not, how will our guests know the conditions? Is there a phone number they can dial so I can make our guests aware? Is the daily flag color listed online somewhere?

Thanks for any help.