PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. — High seas and strong currents are creating dangerous conditions out in the Gulf.
Double red flags are flying on beaches in Navarre and Pensacola Beach on Thursday. Single red flags are flying in Okaloosa County.
Lifeguards say there have been no rescues reported Thursday, but they’ve been very busy.
“We have some really big surf today and it’s expected to continue to tomorrow,” says Jake Wilson, who oversees lifeguards stationed at Casino Beach.
“Our number one goal is protecting and educating the public out here on Pensacola Beach,” he added. “It’s a very sunny day. A lot of people are out here on vacation. They want to enjoy the beach today. It’s a great day to fly a kite or build a sand castle. With the Gulf, it’s too dangerous. The waves in the currents are too powerful.”
Lifeguards were constantly running to visitors on Thursday urging them to stay out of the water.
“The guards are mostly focused on educating the public and letting him know about the dangers and reminding them that they’re not allowed on water,” Wilson said.
Visitors are only allowed to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Others took advantage of the other fun things the beach had to offer.
“We found other things to do. We just enjoy sitting on the beach reading a book,” said Roxana Barns of Arkansas. “Better safe than sorry. I don’t want anyone getting hurt or anything like that.”
Lifeguards are expecting these conditions to persist through Saturday afternoon. You’re advised to check flag conditions before you come out.
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“A lot of our guards have the mindset of if they have to go in and get someone, we’ve already lost. We should’ve seen them come down on the beach,” Wilson said. “Talk to them, educate them.”