Visitor Safety Resources

Regardless of the basic information provided here, you are responsible for your own safety.

If you don't have time to do anything else, watch this video.

QUICK BEACH SAFETY VIDEO 

(2 minutes 18 seconds) 

• 🟢 Green – Calm  
• 🟡 Yellow – Moderate hazard 
• 🔴 Red – High hazard  (knee deep is too deep)
• ⛔ Double Red – Water closed   (no swimming)  
• 🟣 Purple – Dangerous marine life (Jelly Fish, Sharks, etc.)  

👉 Local Tip: Always check flags BEFORE entering the water. Updates: 

Okaloosa Island: Text "BEACH" to 44144  

Miramar: Text "FLAG" to 31279 

South Walton’s Beach: Text "SAFETY" to 31279 

Pensacola Beach: Text “PBFLAGS” to 888777 

Panama City Beach: Text “PCBFLAGS" to 888777 

"Spot and Escape a Rip Current"

"Play It Safe at Gulf Coast Beaches" 

• Don’t fight the current  
• Swim parallel to shore  
• Float and signal for help  

👉 Most rescues happen when people panic and fight it. 

Pay attention to the flags.

Rip currents don’t care how much money you saved or how far you drove to get to the water. 

• Sunburns are one of the fastest ways to ruin a vacation. 
• Hydrate often  
• Reapply sunscreen frequently
• Take shade breaks 
• The Shade will move 
• Watch for heat exhaustion  
• SPF levels matter 

👉 UV exposure is stronger than most visitors expect. 

The sun can reflect off the white sand and burn you while sitting in the shade. 

Umbrellas have UV ratings.  Be sure you are protected. 

Recommend using beach chair/umbrella service or rental where/when available. 

• Following beach rules for digging holes.  Most have width restrictions no more than and 2' deep.
• Fill in holes before leaving  is a rule for all beaches.
• Keep glass off the beach  
• Secure umbrellas properly  
• Watch children at all times  

👉 Deep holes + loose umbrellas are real hazards.  If you think your umbrella is far enough in the sand.... it’s not.  

👉 Don’t wear it in the water if you don’t want to risk losing it in the water.  

👉 Most beaches have strict rules and guidelines regarding pets.

• Fill in holes before leaving (Sea turtle safety)
• Knock down sand castles (Sea turtle safety)
• Stay away from sea turtle nests  
• Do NOT feed dolphins
• Use red filter at night during turtle nesting season  
• Watch for jellyfish & stingrays  
• Shuffle feet in shallow water to avoid stings 

👉 Respect wildlife—fines can apply. 

 Red lens filters are available at multiple locations during turtle nesting season .

Plan ahead to determine the method your want to use for treating a jellyfish sting in the event a life

• Pedestrians must use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.  
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and not pass vehicles stopped for pedestrians.  
• Specific protections for pedestrians with disabilities. 

👉 This is why you shouldn’t run red lights or block crosswalks. 

Protecting Pedestrians (Episode 1)  

Video: < 2 min. 

Protecting Pedestrians (Episode 2)  

Video: < 2 min. 

👉 More on Pedestrian Safety

• Class 1 & 2 e-bikes may be allowed on sidewalks—but not in busy areas, downtown zones, or anywhere posted. When in doubt, ride in designated bike lanes.
• When riding on roads or bike lanes, be sure that you’re riding in the correct direction. 
• FDOT E-Bike Rules as of 07/2025 
• Know The Difference 

👉 “Sidewalk use varies by city. Many areas (including parts of Destin and Okaloosa County) restrict e-bikes in high-pedestrian zones.” 

👉 Local governments can override state guidelines.

👉 More on E-Bikes

• Follow no-wake zones  
• Watch for swimmers near sandbars  
• Use life jackets when appropriate and required. 

👉 Crab Island areas get crowded quickly.  It is not the place to be learning how to operate a boat.

Regardless of how experienced a boater you may be, consider boat activities with a licensed Captain. 

• There will be traffic 
• Allow extra time around morning and evening work schedules
• Watch for pedestrians & bikes  

👉 Traffic delays are predictable—plan around them. 

Parking is limited and sometimes pricey.  Consider paid transportation, such as Uber, Lyft, or a local transport service. 

• Roads ≤ 35 MPH only 
• NOT allowed on Hwy 98  
• Check local and county laws
• Where allowed, use designated crosswalks to cross major roads. 
• No sidewalks/bike paths  

👉 Must be street-legal (LSV) 

FWB Alternative Transportation  

Walton County Sherrif’s Office LSV Use  

WCSO Low Speed Vehicle Laws 

WCSO LSV Ordinance 

Bay County Golf Cart Operations  

👉 More on LSVs and Golf Carts

• Watch for pedestrians & bikes that are trying to navigate the weather as well.

👉 Storms build fast on the Gulf Coast.  They can also blow over fast.

The weather changes quickly.  Check the forecast AND radar before canceling plans. 

• Lock vehicles  
• Don’t leave valuables visible  
• Stay aware in nightlife areas  
• Use well-lit parking areas  

👉 Most issues are preventable with awareness. 

👉 Some restaurants automatically include a gratuity.  Look for notices around the entrance, cash register, menu, and on receipts.

👉 Check for credit/debit cards, wallet/purse, keys, phone, sunglasses, etc. after purchases AND when leaving a location, such as stopping to take a photo.