Spring breakers encouraged to be safe

GULF COAST - As the weather heats up, spring breakers are moving in. Our Gulf Coast beaches will soon be invaded with folks looking to have a good time, but those good times can turn bad very quickly if people aren't careful.

Sand, sun and fun is what Spring Break along the Gulf Coast is all about. This is the time when thousands of visitors flock to our beaches.

For most it's good times, but others get in trouble. Local Surfer Carl Stokely has seen it play out before. "Yesterday there was a real bad rip current out here and you shouldn't be swimming in the water. You stay real close to shore if you're a tourist."

Orange Beach Lifeguard Melvin Sheppard said trouble is usually caused by lack of respect for the Gulf of Mexico. "It's not a pool and it's not a lake from back home. The currents, some of them you can see on top of the water, some of them you can't. So you really have to be cautious. If you're not a good swimmer a day like today I wouldn't venture far from the beach," he said.

Staying safe at the beach is simple if you stay aware. Pay attention to the conditions, stay close to shore, and never turn your back on the ocean.

"We hope they come down, enjoy the beach, be safe, and go home safely." Sheppard said.

Sheppard said another hazard spring breakers don't pay enough attention to is the sun. A serious sunburn can be a real downer when you're trying to have fun.

Click here for safety tips and surf conditions.