GULF SHORES — Double-red flags are flying along the beach, meaning the water is closed. A high surf advisory is in effect at least through Saturday, with 4 to 6 feet surf conditions, according to beach safety chief Joethan Phillips.
People who refuse to stay out of the water will face a fine of up to $500 and arrest.
“We're patrolling our beaches,” Phillips warned. “We have lifeguards on towers, and they’re making contact with people that are getting their feet in the water and just telling them you can't even touch your feet in.”
Phillips said the key is to stay in dry sand.
“The reason for that is that some people put their feet in, and then they keep drifting further and further in. The next thing you know, they're all the way in the water,” he explained. “We just don't want them to get swept away.”
Lifeguards are manning all of Gulf Shores’ 12 towers. Gulf Shores Fire Rescue added more staff to the Beach Rescue unit this year. The additional crew has helped improve efforts. Phillips said there have been some rescues, but the department is taking a proactive approach to prevent tragedy.
“Our lifeguards are down there talking to as many people as we can,” Phillips said. “So, we're trying to prevent, and we think that it's helping a lot to keep visitors safe.”
Phillips said that after the double-red flags are replaced with single-red flags, beachgoers should be aware that the danger still exists.
“Single reds are dangerous as well,” he said. “We're not saying that if we go from double to single, that it's by any means safe to enter the water. It is still very unsafe, we just don't have the water closed, but when we're flying red flags, we don't recommend the public entering the water.”
The Baldwin County EMA has partnered with local agencies to help spread information about beach safety. Beachgoers can text ALBEACHES to 888777 to receive daily beach conditions and warning flag status.
The Baldwin County EMA has also provided safety tips online.
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