Beach Safety Concerns Rise

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL – Beachgoers and residents voiced their concerns about beach safety at the City Council meetings on July 11th, after multiple instances of drownings and unsafe conditions. The incidents have spotlighted several issues regarding the beach safety measures, especially the clarity and visibility of warning flags.

Public comments have highlighted the absence of lifesaving devices on the beach and a lack of information about the flag system used to indicate water conditions. Derryl Paul, the beach safety director of Panama City Beach Fire Rescue, emphasized the need for consistency and clear communication to ensure the safety of all visitors.

Panama City Beach uses a color-coded flag system to warn visitors of varying surf and current conditions. The flags are intended to help beachgoers make informed decisions about entering the water. However, many have pointed out that the yellow flag, indicating medium hazard with moderate surf or current, is often not visible. The situation is further complicated by the fact that no information is readily available explaining the meaning of the flags.

The flag system includes:

• Yellow: Medium hazard with moderate surf/current.

• Red: High hazard with strong surf/current.

• Double Red: Beach closed to the public.

• Purple: Presence of marine pests such as jellyfish.

Despite these measures, the community is calling for more proactive and preventative strategies. Lifeguards are staffed at Russel Fields City Pier from April 1st through September 31st, and there are roving patrols spanning 9.6 miles of beach. The goal is to fly flags representing the highest hazard present on the beach to alert visitors effectively.

Aleisha Redman tragically lost her husband to a rip current in Panama City Beach. Her tragic loss underscores the dangers of rip currents, which are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers out to sea. Rip currents are responsible for most rescues performed by lifeguards.

The council approved converting six seasonal, part-time lifeguard positions to year-round and full-time. The total number of lifeguards for the nearly 10 miles of beach is now 15.

Beach safety officials stress the importance of paying attention to flag warnings and understanding the risks. They also recommend checking for updates on beach conditions before heading out and always swimming near lifeguard stations.

In light of the tragedies, there is a growing call for additional lifesaving devices on the beach, better signage explaining the flag system, and increased efforts to ensure all flags are visible and accurately represent current conditions.

The community hopes that these measures will prevent future incidents and make the beach safer for everyone.

Stay Current of Bech Conditions at: https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/plan-your-trip/stay-pcb-current/