Stay informed

Vacationing the smart way! Gulf Waters can be very dangerous, therefore understanding the dangers and taking the right precautions will help prevent and prepare you from serious situations. Here are several ways to ensure the safety of yourself and your family when visiting Orange Beach:

KNOW AND HEED THE BEACH WARNING FLAGS

Yellow

Moderate surf and/or currents

Purple

Dangerous marine life

Red

High surf and/or strong currents

Double red

Water closed to the public

KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS

Learn to swim; non-swimmers should stay out of the water
Don’t overestimate your swimming ability
Don’t rely on inner tubes, floats or other inflatable toys
Use Coast Guard approved lifejackets
Designate a water-watcher and supervise children closely
Never swim alone

SWIM NEAR A LIFEGUARD

Lifeguards are stationed seasonally at all public beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach (March through September) Currently, no lifeguard protection is available in the Fort Morgan area

LEARN HOW TO ESCAPE A RIP CURRENT

Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer away from shore.

If caught in a rip current, remain calm
Escape the current by swimming parallel to the shoreline
When free of the current, swim at an angle—away from the current—toward shore
Float or tread water if unable to escape by swimming If unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by facing the shore and calling or waving for help

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KNOW WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE ELSE IS IN DANGER

First, CALL 9-1-1
Seek help from a life guard; if no life guard is present, yell instructions on how to escape the current
Throw the victim something that floats
Don’t attempt to perform a rescue as you could also get caught in the currentAll communication
efforts will link via URL or QR code to www.VisitALBeaches/Safety.