Before you walk down
Flags, dunes, and what we haul off
These are the warning colors you'll see on poles along the Emerald Coast. This demo does not report today's flag. Look at the beach access when you arrive.
Green
Low hazard. Water is relatively calm. You still watch the kids and you still don't turn your back on the Gulf.
Yellow
Medium hazard. Moderate surf or currents. Confident swimmers only, and stay near shore.
Red
High hazard. Strong surf or currents. Most families should keep the morning on the sand. We may hold the umbrella if the wind is up.
Double red
Water closed to the public. Stay out. If it's double red before 8 a.m., that morning is refunded or moved.
Purple
Dangerous marine life, usually flown with another flag. Jellyfish and stingrays are the usual reason. Shuffle your feet in the shallows.
Leave no trace
- Fill in holes before you head up. A deep hole is a collapse risk and a trap for turtle hatchlings in season.
- Stay on the walkover. Sea oats are what hold the dune in place.
- No glass on the sand.
- Pack out cups, toys, and food. We pull our chairs, umbrella, cart, and kids' kit at dusk. Anything else can be cleared by the city overnight.
- Turtle season runs May 1 through October 31. Keep house and cottage lights off the beach after dark. If you booked a bonfire, put it fully out.
- Our chairs stay on dry sand. Please don't drag them into the water.