Enjoy the Emerald Coast but exercise caution

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kentavist P. Brackin
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
Hot summers on the Emerald Coast draw thousands of tourists, locals and Air Commandos to the sandy beaches here every year; eager swimmers ready to enjoy the mysteries of the cool blue-green water should take caution.

"Swimmers, beginner and advanced, should always be aware of flag conditions, rip currents and dangerous marine life when entering the water," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Linville, 1st Special Operations Wing ground safety superintendent.

Familiarizing oneself with beach flag conditions can help Airmen and their families determine if they should make the trip to the beach at all.

There are five beach conditions designated by different color flags. Four flags represent the conditions of the surf or currents, with the green flag being the safest condition for beachgoers, but still advising swimmers to exercise caution.

The flag conditions change from green to yellow to red with increases in water hazards, such as rip currents, narrow powerful currents of water running perpendicular to the beach.

"Rip currents are dangerous to all swimmers, said Linville. "Even the strongest swimmers could have trouble fighting a current if not aware of the proper way to escape."

Red flags are the most serious flag conditions; this warns swimmers of high surf, dangerous currents, or both. The display of two red flags means water hazards are too dangerous for even the strongest swimmers and the area is closed to water activities.

"Knowing the flag conditions and paying attention to what flags are displayed are the best steps to avoiding possible rip currents," adds Senior Airman Charlene Plante, 1st Special Operations Support Squadron Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialist. "If a tired or weak swimmer is caught in one, they should attempt to lie on their back, recovering their energy while drifting out of the rip current and make their way back to the beach after exiting the current."

The fifth flag condition, identified by the color purple, is displayed when the possibility of encountering dangerous marine life exists.

"Jellyfish are usually the reason for the purple flag conditions on the Emerald Coast, however everyone should be aware there are sharks in the area," said Linville.

Personnel should also avoid taking or displaying shiny objects such as jewelry, watches or knives while in the water.

"Barracudas and sharks mistake shiny objects like these for fish and other wildlife," said Plante.

The display of a purple flag does not mean that the beach is closed, however that can change if it is shown in conjunction with other flags.

"It's important to pay attention to your surroundings while in the water," she said. "Usually marine life don't attack people unless provoked or someone comes across them unexpectedly."

Flag conditions are just one way to keep safe, while at the beach. There are several other safety tips Air Commandos should know before grabbing their suntan lotion and beach towel.

· Underwater sandbars often develop offshore, forming a trough of water between the bar and the beach. Rip currents form when the sandbar breaks and the trapped water funnels out to the sea through the break, sometimes sweeping swimmers with it.

· Non-swimmers should use Coast Guard-approved flotation vests, even while wading.

· Do not swim in the ocean alone, take a buddy.

· Stay sober; don't swim while intoxicated. Alcohol can affect your judgment and your body temperature, impairing your ability to swim.

· Don't swim during rough seas. Broken necks and paralysis have resulted from swimmers being thrown into the ocean bottom headfirst.

· Be wary of waves. The force of big waves crashing at the shore's edge can pick and throw swimmers into the sand, possibly resulting in a dislocated shoulder or knee.

· Due to dangerous currents, never swim in the inlets.

· Do not swim at night or near fishing piers.

· Children should swim only with adult supervision.

· Know the various types of ocean currents and how to get out of them.

· Watch the weather. Storms and squalls come up quickly. Don't swim during thunderstorms; lightning is extremely dangerous and does strike the beach.

· Watch for jellyfish. If stung, seek first aid if needed. Don't rub sand on the stings. Spraying or pouring vinegar on the sting site often reduces the pain. If you don't have vinegar, try ammonia or denatured alcohol.

· Do not swim near surfers, surfboard fins can cut you.

"The smartest thing anyone can do is research the area they will visit and be aware of the conditions present," said Linville. "Don't assume just because others are in the water that it is safe."