The Turquoise Turtle

10/17/2024

07/28/2024

YELLOW AND PURPLE FLAGS! 7/28/24

Happy Sunday! SWFD lifeguards are flying yellow and purple flags for moderate surf hazards and stinging marine life on July 28. 🌊⚠️🛟🪼☔️

Swim near a lifeguard, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated. If you experience a jellyfish sting, use warm water (not ice) for pain relief.

Wishing you an awesome and safe day in SoWal.

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management SoWal Walton County Tourism 30A Visit South Walton NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

06/16/2024

UPDATE! Flags changing to RED and PURPLE Sunday afternoon (June 16). High surf hazards are present as well as dangerous/stinging marine life. 🚩🌊🪼

Stay close to shore. Knee deep is too deep! Rip currents can sweep even experienced swimmers out to sea.
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YELLOW AND PURPLE FLAGS! 6/16/24

Moderate surf hazards and dangerous marine life are present Sunday, June 16, SWFD lifeguards are flying yellow and purple flags.

Have a safe Father’s Day at the beach by swimming near a lifeguard, wearing plenty of SPF, staying hydrated, and keeping a close eye on your loved ones.

SWFD lifeguards are tracking the potential for incoming surf and will make changes to the flags as conditions warrant. Be safe!

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management SoWal Walton County Tourism 30A Visit South Walton NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

06/14/2024

YELLOW AND PURPLE FLAGS! 6/14/24

Moderate surf hazards and dangerous marine life are present Friday, June 14, SWFD lifeguards are flying yellow and purple flags. 🌊🛟

Please swim within your abilities today, stay hydrated, wear SPF, and keep a close eye on your loved ones.

If you have any questions while visiting the beach, ask a member of our team. Have a safe day!

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management SoWal Walton County Tourism 30A Visit South Walton NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

05/26/2024

YELLOW AND PURPLE FLAGS! 5/26/24

Moderate surf hazards and stinging marine life are present Sunday, May 26, SWFD lifeguards are flying yellow and purple flags. 🌊🪼

Swim to your abilities, stay hydrated, and wear plenty of SPF! We’ve got a hot day ahead of us.

In the event of an emergency at the beach, please call 911 immediately or alert the nearest lifeguard.

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management SoWal Walton County Tourism 30A Visit South Walton NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

04/30/2024

4/30/24 UPDATE!

Lifeguards have changed beach flags to single red on Tuesday afternoon due to surf conditions showing signs of improvement. 🚩🌊

However, rip currents across the Emerald Coast remain very strong. We encourage beach patrons to stay close to shore and near a lifeguard at all times.

Please remember

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DOUBLE RED FLAGS! 4/30/24

Life-threatening surf hazards and rip currents are present Tuesday, April 30, SWFD lifeguards are flying double red flags. 🚩🚩

Under double red flags, the Gulf is closed to swimmers and boogie boarders. Violators can face a $500 fine and criminal charges from law enforcement.

While surf is a bit smaller Tuesday, the primary threat continues to be rip currents. Days of large waves have created deep channels in our sandbar and formed very strong rips.

Even elite swimmers can become a victim of a rip current, please do not jeopardize your life or the wellbeing of one of our lifeguards. Stay on the dry sand!

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management SoWal Walton County Tourism 30A Visit South Walton NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

04/29/2024

DOUBLE RED FLAGS! 4/29/24

Life-threatening surf hazards persist Monday, April 29, SWFD lifeguards will continue flying double red flags, which means the water is closed to swimmers and boogie boarders. 🚩🚩

Entering the water during double red flags can result in criminal citations and a $500 fine from law enforcement. It can also result in serious injury or death due to drowning. Please, stay on the dry sand!

Our hope is conditions shape up soon and become less dangerous, ultimately this is Mother Nature's decision. We will continue to monitor the water and provide updates as the conditions warrant.

For flag updates via text message, text SAFETY TO 31279.

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management SoWal Walton County Tourism 30A NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

04/24/2024

YELLOW FLAGS! 4/24/24

A grayt Wednesday in South Walton, SWFD lifeguards are flying yellow flags for moderate surf hazards. 🌊

Please remember to always respect the open water and swim within your limits and near a lifeguard. Wear plenty of SPF and stay hydrated out there, it will be another warm April day.

Questions? Ask a member of our team. Be safe!

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management Walton County Tourism Visit South Walton SoWal 30A NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

04/24/2024

YELLOW FLAGS! 4/23/24

Moderate surf hazards are present Tuesday, April 23, SWFD lifeguards are flying yellow flags. 🌊☀️

Please remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen! The high UV index means sunburns can happen quickly throughout the morning and afternoon hours.

Always swim near a lifeguard and respect the open water! Call 911 for emergencies.

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management Walton County Tourism Visit South Walton SoWal 30A NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

04/14/2024

YELLOW FLAGS! 4/14/24

Moderate surf hazards are present Sunday, April 14, SWFD lifeguards are flying yellow flags. 🌊☀️

Respect the open water- the Gulf is not a swimming pool! Please swim within your limits and near a lifeguard.

Stay hydrated, wear plenty of sunscreen, and stay safe out there.

Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida Walton County Emergency Management Walton County Tourism 30A SoWal Visit South Walton NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

04/14/2024

04/09/2024