Red no swimming signs in sand... For what?

[dunelover]

My family is telling me that they saw the signs at the shore before the water today near the Dune Allen access. Does anyone know why they would've been there? Wondering if it was unsafe because of riptide or potentially bad water quality? From reading SoWal I know that there are typically bad water quality results after a lot of rain. I did not expect those results to happen quickly nor have I seen them. Does anyone have any input?

 

[Kurt]

It was red and purple flags today. Very high surf - nice sets if you have a board and a wetsuit. Even if it calms, probably a high possibility of rip currents for at least the next few days.

 

[Teresa]

rip currents!

From SWFD fb today:

The beach flags for South Walton's beaches will be RED and purple at this time. There are a number of strong rip currents present, especially in the vicinity of the dune lake washouts. Jellyfish have also been reported across the beaches of South Walton.

Wave heights: Around 2 feet with light offshore winds early switching to onshore this afternoon @ 5-10 knots.

Rip current risk: High a high risk of rip currents means that wind, wave and tidal conditions all support the development of strong and dangerous rip currents. Lake washouts and soft edges of sand bars can also add to rip current development. Rip currents have the potential to form very quickly at any location across the beaches of South Walton. Deep channels between the sand bars are where the water brought in from the wave action funnels back out. Strong rip currents can take even the strongest swimmers away from shore. Please pay attention to the beach flags, if you are unsure whether rip currents are present check with a lifeguard, or stay on the shore.

Beach Flags are important for you to know!

Read SoWal.com story on Beach Safety.

 

[Beachberbs]

Jellyfish, that's why the purple flag is out. Saw lots in Seacrest this evening.

 

[dunelover]

Sorry guys I was not clear. I'm aware of the beach flag system and know that it was a red flag today. I have just never seen flags in the sand in front of the water. I wondered if that was for something different. It said no swimming on the flag and I thought a double red meant no swimming. And yes we have seen plenty of rip currents while here, sadly. One example.

 

[dunelover]

Huge jellyfish... We've seen several this size.

 

[Teresa]

nice photos dunelover!

the little flags near the shore must be a new system implemented by SWFD lifeguards. I haven't seen this yet.

 

[kdp4th]

I have seen flags like this at Seagrove beach where the life guard has determined the current is too strong for swimming. There are usually two flags and the life guard will not allow swimming between the two flags.