PANAMA CITY BEACH — With waves of tourists slated to flood local beaches this week for Independence Day, local officials say beachgoers should swim near lifeguards.
While roving patrols routinely pass by most areas of Bay County’s coast, there are only three local locations considered “guarded beaches,” or areas where lifeguards are constantly positions. Here’s what you need to know:
“Lifeguards are trained professionals who constantly monitor the conditions of the Gulf, respond quickly to emergencies and help prevent dangerous situations before they happen,” Dustin Marsden, surf rescue battalion chief for Bay County, wrote in an email. “We urge everyone planning to swim to choose a lifeguarded beach and to also adhere to the flag warnings.”
Where are the guarded beaches?
The three guarded beaches in Bay County are the Russell-Fields, Rick Seltzer Park and the M.B. Miller Pier.
The Russell-Fields Pier is overseen by Panama City Beach, while Rick Seltzer Park and the M.B. Miller Pier are overseen by Bay County.
What is the beach flag warning system?
Like most coastal area, Bay County and Panama City Beach use beach flags to advise beachgoers on current conditions. The color of local flags is determined by the strength of rip currents, not wave heights.
Common colors used in beach flag warning systems include a green flag for low hazard conditions, a yellow flag for medium hazard conditions, one red flag for high hazard conditions and two red flags for very dangerous conditions.
Bay County and Panama City Beach also never fly green flags as an extra safety precaution. It is illegal year round in Bay and PCB to enter the Gulf under double-red-flag conditions. Violators can be ticketed up to $500.
Has anyone drowned this year?
Two beachgoers have drowned so far this year while swimming in the Gulf of America off the coast of Bay County. The first drowning was on was on May 17 near Beach Access 72. The victim was a male in his mid-60s. The second drowning was on June 17. The victim was a 10-year-old boy.
Both drownings were within the city limits of Panama City Beach.
Those interested in staying up to date on beach flags can sign up for daily text alerts by texting “PCBFLAGS” to 888777.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Attention, beachgoers: Here are the three locations in Bay County with guarded beaches
Reporting by Nathan Cobb, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
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