BEACH RULES AND SAFETY TIPS
To ensure a safe and enjoyable beach day, please follow these guidelines.
RIP CURRENTS
Rip currents are narrow channels
of water with powerful currents
capable of pulling even strong
swimmers into deeper waters. If
you become caught in a rip current,
do not panic or try to swim against
the current. To escape a rip current,
swim parallel to shore. If you are
unable to break out of the current,
let it carry you farther out until it
weakens. Then, swim back to shore
at an angle away from the current.
THE BEACH FLAG SYSTEM
RED
HIGH HAZARD
High surf and/or
strong currents.
No swimming in
the Gulf.
YELLOW
MEDIUM HAZARD
Moderate surf and/
or currents. Swim
with extra caution.
DOUBLE RED
WATER CLOSED
TO PUBLIC
No wading or
swimming or
surfing in the Gulf.
GREEN
LOW HAZARD
Calm conditions.
Exercise caution.
PURPLE
DANGEROUS
MARINE LIFE
BEACH SAFETY LAWS
• No person may enter the Gulf
of Mexico during red flag or
double red flag conditions.
• No person may re-enter the
Gulf of Mexico within 24 hours
of being rescued from the Gulf
of Mexico.
• There is absolutely NO GLASS
allowed on any of the beaches.
• The west side of the Pensacola
Beach Gulf Pier is designated
as an “alcohol-free zone.”
• Fires are not allowed on the
beach.
• Dogs other than service
animals are not permitted on
any of the beaches, except in
designated dog parks.
• Alcoholic beverages are
allowed on the beach, but
glass containers, underage
drinking and public
drunkenness are not.
SWIM WITH THE
LIFEGUARDS
Play it safe and swim near lifeguard
stations. Look for lifeguards, when
on duty, on Pensacola Beach at
Casino Beach, Park East, Park West
and Quietwater Beach, as well as in
the Gulf Islands National Seashore
areas of both Pensacola Beach and
Perdido Key.
LIGHTS OUT FOR SEA TURTLES
• Artificial light sources can cause hatchlings to become disoriented
and head away from the Gulf of Mexico and into harm’s way.
• Turn out beachfront lights after dusk.
• Close blinds and curtains in beachfront homes at night.
• Do not disturb nesting females or hatchlings by using flashlights,
flash photography or lanterns.
• Knock down sand sculptures and fill in any holes in the sand at
day’s end.
LEAVE NO TRACE
For the safety and protection of sea turtles and other wildlife, please
leave only your footprints on the beach. Leaving personal items on
the beach overnight is prohibited. Please remove all umbrellas, tents,
hammocks, beach toys, picnic tables and chairs at the end of each
day. Personal property left unattended after sunset will be removed
and disposed of by beach cleaning crews.
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