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Updated: Tuesday, 24 Mar 2009, 10:42 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 24 Mar 2009, 9:27 PM CDT
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - The weather is getting warmer and many of you are heading to local beaches. But do you know when it's safe to get in the water? There are flags that will tell you.
But sometimes red flags waving at local beaches don't keep some people out of rough waters. Jimmy Briscoe is one of those people. "The riptide isn't that bad, but it's definitely a little crazy", said Briscoe.
Lacey Pittman and her friend are spending Spring Break at the beach. They just found out about red flags today. "Her grandparents told us this morning. We really didn't know what the red flag meant", said Pittman.
There are five different color flags that you may see flying on the beach. They range in color from purple to double-red, and all have different meanings. Purple flags mean dangerous marine life.
Green flags mean you should exercise caution in the water. Yellow flags mean waters are hazardous, and waves could be up to three or four feet. Red flags mean dangerous surf, and it's a good idea to stay out of the water. Double red flags mean the water is closed to the public
"We do have people coming in from out of town. They may have a lake or river back home they swim in. This is not a lake or river, it's not a swimming pool. There are very strong currents. They can come up quickly", said Melvin Shepard of Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Department.
So if you see a red flag flying like the ones today, it's best to just stay on the beach.
For Surf Report call 251-981-SURF or go to www.OBParksandRec.com.
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