06/12/2021
We have received a lot of feedback concerning the beach flag warning system in the last couple of weeks and would like to address some questions from our citizens. We understand that many who visit our beaches do not have a fundamental understanding of the environment they are in nor the flag system and what it means, and would like to provide additional information on that system.
The flags are a guide to risk, and a person's risk is based on both the conditions present and on the physical abilities of the person. Our Surf Rescue division staff the State Park beaches within the City of Orange Beach with 10-12 USLA trained lifeguards daily during season. This division also communicates a Daily Beach Report with extensive information to those on the email list (condominiums, chair vendors, and businesses who we ask to either maintain a flag or post these reports within their facilities), post the daily flag report on our city website (www.orangebeachal.gov), and provide daily information via our 251-981-SURF telephone line. We know that Gulf Shores mirrors our beach report to provide consistency between our communities.
We encourage all hotels and condos to provide the Daily Beach Report to visitors staying in their facilities. We also require a beach flag warning system information sign to be posted at ALL beach access points, including dune walkovers. The City of Orange Beach Coastal Resources division makes regular facility visits and provides flyers for hotels, condos, and local businesses to provide this information to the public.
Of course, we are always open to any suggestions on improving our warning system. Please let us know if you see anything we can improve upon.
