Beach safety tips leading into Memorial Day Weekend on the Panhandle

SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. ( WMBB ) — Officials are expecting a packed Memorial Day week and weekend on the Panhandle.

Leading to the weekend of remembrance, it is National Beach Safety Week .

In Walton County, the South Walton Fire District said the most prevalent danger so far has been rip currents.

Thankfully no public drownings have been reported yet this season.

With multiple red flag and double red flag days this month, the lifeguards and beach safety division want to make sure everyone stays within their limits and respects the flags.

“Take that extra moment to remind yourself that things can go sideways if you make small missteps down here,” said David Vaughan, beach safety director. “So if you are following the practical advice of knowing where you are, taking pictures of your kids, staying hydrated with drinks, bring snacks, getting covered, finding a good spot and then respecting the gulf, swimming near a lifeguard, you should be set.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency , the Florida Panhandle holds an average of 10 UV rating during May, meaning unprotected skin can burn in minutes.

Vaughan has tips on how to protect yourself from the sun.

“Everyone wants to get their tan on, apply early before you get out here so that it has time to actually sink in, and reapply often, wear clothing and covering whenever possible, get shade, stay hydrated,” Vaughan said.

Mixing alcohol with high heat and sun exposure brings a new set of risks for dehydration.

Vaughan said the best way to stay safe is to stay near a lifeguard tower and sign up for flag updates.

“If you text ‘flags’ or ‘safety’, 31279, you can opt in and we’ll give you real time updates at 10:00 or 10:15 and then again at 2:00. And then also if we change or downgrade,” said Vaughan.

SWFD and many Panhandle beach authorities also post the daily flags on social media and their websites each morning.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.