Beach Warning Flags

There’s an old saying along Gulf Coast Beach Communities… “The BEST Water Rescue…. Is the Water Rescue that doesn’t need to happen!”

South Gulf County has developed a Beach Safety Flag system of 20 flag stations that stretches from the Indian Pass boat ramp up to the State Park at the tip of Cape San Blas. From Spring Break till Thanksgiving, 60+ volunteers make up the “Beach Safety Team” advising residents and visitors alike of water and surf safety conditions. 

Many water incidents with swimmers in the Gulf involve rip currents; as rip currents seem to “sneak up” on an unsuspecting victim. It is imperative for anyone swimming in our community to have situational awareness of their surroundings and water conditions.

Early each morning the flags are called for the two regions: Indian Pass and the beaches South of the “rocks”, and the beaches North of the “rocks” up to the State Park. The manager of St Joseph Peninsula State Park calls the flags for the State Park. It is not uncommon to have different flags called for each region. The 3 regions face different directions and thus experience different beach & water conditions. This information is posted on the SGCFire Facebook page and broadcast on WOYS Oyster Radio 106.5 FM throughout the day.

The entire Beach Safety Flag Team program is fully funded by the donations made to SGVFD, Inc., the 501(c)(3) non-profit established by our community. Close to $10,000 was spent in the past 3 years on the 20 Flag Stations & related equipment for the Beach Safety Team program. It is important that this life-saving program is maintained & grows each year. Your donations to SGCVFD, 501(c)(3) help to ensure that this will happen. Thank you!