Best Tips for Beach Safety

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

February 6, 2023

We all love soaking up the sun and playing in the coastal waves of our beautiful Alabama beaches. After all, they’re what makes our destination so special. While relaxing and playing on the beach can be a blast, it’s essential to take the proper steps to ensure your own safety and the creatures who call it home. Here are a few tips for a safe beach outing, whether in the sand or on the water.

1. Pack Sunscreen

The beach is the best place to relax and bask in the sun, but without sunscreen, the aftermath of soaking up rays can be pretty painful. Remember always to wear sunscreen when you’re out and about. This is especially important during the summer when the sun is shining all day. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses and a hat for extra protection. You can get too much of a good thing, so don’t forget these items before venturing out in the warm Alabama sunshine.

2. Stay Hydrated

Being out in the sun for long periods can lead to dehydration. You should always bring water to the beach and stay hydrated throughout the day. Having a drink on hand is crucial during the summer when temperatures get exceptionally high.

3. Watch Out for Sea Turtle Nests

Take care when exploring the sand. Many creatures call our beaches home, and you might happen upon a sea turtle nest or a tiny bird’s nest. If you encounter these animals or their nests, leave them undisturbed, as messing with them can harm their livelihood. This includes feeding them. Keep in mind that our sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, making it unlawful to disturb nests, hatchlings, and sea turtles.

4. Stay Off the Sand Dunes

If you want to protect the beauty of the beach and the animals who call it home, keep off the sand dunes. They preserve natural habitats and prevent beach erosion. Beach boardwalks and walkovers are plentiful and will get you to the shore.

5. Pick Up After Yourself

When you visit our beaches, take nothing but pictures and leave only footprints. Always clean up after yourself, and don’t forget your beach chairs and towels. Keeping our beaches clean is vital to maintaining their beauty. Anything left on the beach before sunrise or after sunset will be removed and disposed of by our beach patrol. Be sure to also review our beaches' rules and regulations before heading to the shore.

6. Check the Beach Warning Flag System

Observe and obey the Beach Warning Flag System. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer a helpful Beach Warning Flag System with color-coded flags to inform you about current water conditions, so you can avoid dangerous situations and rip currents and stay safe in the water. Conditions change daily, so check each time you head to the beach. Each city also offers a hotline to call if you don’t see a flag where you are visiting.

For current conditions in Gulf Shores, dial 251-968-SURF (7873). For current conditions in Orange Beach, dial 251-981-SURF (7873).

A text messaging program is also available, which sends daily messages about beach conditions and warning flag status. Sign up by texting ALBEACHES to 888777. You can easily opt-out of these text alerts by texting STOP at the end of your stay.

Yellow Flag: Medium hazard with moderate surf conditions.
Purple Flag: Dangerous marine life is present.
Red Flag: High hazard with high surf and strong currents.
Double Red Flag: Water closed to the public. Please be aware when a double red flag is flying, water conditions are not safe for swimming. We suggest enjoying the sand or pool.