|
| Beach Tips |
Beach Flag Warning System
This system is in place for your water safety. Please observe and obey this Flag System. Rip currents can be unpredictable, dangerous and deadly. Please use good judgment and obey the lifeguards and flag warning system while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.
A red flag flying at the beach is a sign of strong currents and possible undertow. Do not swim under these conditions.
Beach Rules
We appreciate your kindness towards our beautiful beaches.
Please, No:
- Littering
- Vehicles
- Glass
- Fires
- Animals on the Beaches
Please use Our Dune Walkover's & Walkway's to Access the Beach.
Important Information About Out Beaches
Dune Restoration Project
Coastal dunes range from seemingly insignificant sand hills to formations more than 50 feet high. Un-vegetated dunes are vulnerable to destruction by the same forces that form them- waves and wind. These dunes are built by sand that blows into vegetated areas on the beach. They act as dikes against flooding and as reservoirs of sand to replenish the beach. During storms and hurricanes, dune sand washes into the sea and reduces the energy of storm waves. To provide these benefits, however, the dunes must be protected. Please stay off the restoration dune project, sand fencing and sea oats and utilize the public beach access ways.
Public Beach Access
Excessive foot or vehicle traffic and construction activities can destroy the natural vegetation that hold a dune in place. Beach access ways⁄ walkway's can prevent the concentrated foot traffic that will destroy dune vegetation. Most access structures are made of wood and act as a bridge around or over the dune. Please utilize these convenient structures for your pleasure and the preservation of our dune system.
Our Sea Turtles Need Your Help
Sea turtles come ashore to nest on the gulf beaches of Bay County, usually between April and November. Due to human exploitation and habitat destruction, sea turtles are threatened with extinction. The female turtle usually comes ashore at night to lay her eggs in the sand . She will lay about 100 eggs in a process that takes from 2 to 3 hours to complete. You can help protect these remarkable animals. Avoid disturbing a turtle that is crawling to or from the water. Avoid crowding around a nesting turtle and do not shine lights in her eyes or take flash pictures.
Sea Turtles Are Protected By Law
All sea turtles are protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act and State Law. It is illegal to kill or harm sea turtles. It is also illegal to disturb the nest of a sea turtle. Heavy fines and possible imprisonment may result.
Jellyfish Stings
The Gulf of Mexico is home to some species of Jellyfish. However, the dangerous species such as the Man-Of-War are very rare in our area. To help diminish the pain most stings can be treated with ammonia pored over the skin or apply meat tenderizer or toothpaste to the effected area. Avoid putting fresh water on the injured area. Instead, pour vinegar on it to stop the pain, then scrape the tentacle fragments from the skin. A credit card will work in a pinch.
Nude Beaches
Sorry, the Panama City Beach area does not have any nude beaches. A section of Navarre beach has been know for years as the unofficial nude beach of the area. However, Navarre beach is Federal property and is now enforced against nude bathing by a federal agent.
Pet Friendly
Bay County does not allow pets on the beach.
Rip Currents
Be aware that rip currents can occur during any kind of weather from stormy to calm and anytime throughout the year! If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until the current weakens, then swim in. A rip current is a strong, localized flow of water moving out to sea from the beach and can be associated with large waves and⁄or high winds.
Sharks and Swimming
The relative risk of a shark attack is very small but, risks should always be minimized whenever possible in any activity. The chances of having an interaction with a shark can be reduced if one heeds the following advice:
- Always stay in groups since sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual.
- Do not wander too far from shore --- this isolates an individual and additionally places one far away from assistance.
- Avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight hours when sharks are most active and have a competitive sensory advantage.
- Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating --- a shark's olfactory ability is acute.
- Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged because the reflected light resembles the sheen of fish scales.
- Avoid waters with known effluent's or sewage and those being used by sport or commercial fisherman, especially if there are signs of bait fishes or feeding activity. Diving seabird's are good indicators of such action.
- Sightings of porpoises do not indicate the absence of sharks --- both often eat the same food items.
- Use extra caution when waters are murky and avoid uneven tanning and bright colored clothing --- sharks see contrast particularly well.
- Refrain from excess splashing and do not allow pets in the water because of their erratic movements.
- Exercise caution when occupying the area between sandbars or near steep drop offs --- these are favorite hangouts for sharks.
- Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and evacuate the water if sharks are seen while there. And, of course, do not harass a shark if you see one!
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
- Scuba: Divers will enjoy the waters which offer 40-100 foot visibility. The natural and artificial reefs in the area provide excellent viewing of many types of marine life. Certification is required for divers.
- Rules: All divers shall display a free-flying, 12 by 12 inch minimum, white diagonal stripe on a red background divers-down flag in the area in which the diving occurs. Divers shall attempt to stay within 100 feet of the divers-down flag on rivers, inlets and navigation channels.
- Divers shall not, except in case of emergency, display the divers-down flag in an area which would constitute a navigational hazard.
Sun Block And Water Reflection
Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, and don't skimp on the amount, experts advise. An average-size person should use about 2 tablespoons per application, which should be repeated according to the manufacturer's directions.
The sun's damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, snow, or concrete; so be particularly careful in these areas.
Sun Tips
- The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Most of the sun's rays can come through the clouds on an overcast day; so use sun protection even on cloudy days.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following tips...Slip! Slop! Slap!
- Slip on a tightly woven shirt to block out the sun.
- Slop on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 20 minutes before going outside.
- Slap on a hat with a brim wide enough to protect your face and neck.
Weather Changes and Coastal Storms
Do as the locals do and watch the skies. Florida is known as the "Sunshine State" and our skies can change very quickly. In the heat of the summer, late afternoon thunderstorms can roll in. These storms are usually very short in nature and can carry a punch. Protect yourself and your family by following some basic guidelines.
- Check the local forecast daily -- then make your plans.
- Monitor the skies for quick moving dark clouds.
- Have a "Safety Plan" for the entire family before a storm arrives.
- If you are in the water, go to land immediately and take shelter.
- Choose a building over a car for shelter.
- Keep windows closed if in a car.
- If no shelter is available, find a low lying area away from trees, poles or other objects that conduct electricity.
- Squat down (do not lie down) in a tucked position and wait for the storm to pass. Limit your points of contact to the ground to just your feet.
- Stay off of phones and away from plumbing.
- Our storms are usually fast moving. Once they have passed, have a fun and safe vacation.