Skip to main content

Beach Flags + Safety in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

We want your perfect day on the beach to be filled with plenty of fun, sun, adventure and relaxation. The beaches are watched over by county lifeguards–all lifeguards are academy-trained to the advanced level of the United States Lifesaving Association’s open water standard. They are also medically trained as first responders in accordance with the USDOT & NREMT standard curriculum. While the lifeguards are always ready to assist in an emergency situation, there are many precautions you can take to ensure a safe beach day in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

It’s essential to know these simple beach rules and flag warning systems before your day on the sugar-white sand.

Pay close attention to the flag warning system. Even if the sky is sunny and the winds gentle, currents and surf could pose dangers. Avoid swimming when red flags are flying and remember knee deep is too deep when yellow flags are posted.

  • Green flag indicates low hazard and means calm conditions, but swimmers should exercise caution.
  • Yellow flag indicates medium hazard and means moderate surf and/or currents.
  • Red flag indicates high hazard and means high surf and/or currents.
  • An additional red flag means the water is closed to the public.
  • Purple flag indicates dangerous marine life.

Beware of Rip Currents:

rip current is a powerful channel of water flowing away from shore.

A rip current is a powerful channel of water flowing away from shore. While they can’t always be spotted, one of the best visual indicators of a rip current is a gap between waves.

  • If caught in a rip current, don’t swim against it. This is commonly an individual’s initial instinct.
  • Swim out of the current and then swim at an angle or toward the shore. Always swim parallel to the shore when attempting to swim out of the rip current.
  • If you can’t escape, float or calmly tread water.
  • Tide and Weather Information: Before you head to the beach, check the tide tables and solunar tables for the area. You can get the forecast for high tides, low tides, hours of maximum fish activity, weather conditions and other useful information at tides4fishing.com.

A poster showing the beach rules and safety tips.

Ask a Scout

Moms are THE trusted source for honest and detailed advice for families. That's why this online chat is staffed by local moms ready to answer questions and recommend the right Little Adventure for you!

Cucumberleaf Sunflower, yellow pedals with black center

FEATURED STORY

What’s Blooming in May?

What’s Blooming in May New series! Check back each month to learn about the native plants that are blooming in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) Also known as Firewheel, is an annual wildflower that can be seen blooming May through August in the panhandle. Native Americans…

Read more

Trip Ideas

While beachgoers can lay out on the sand, shoppers can stroll down the HarborWalk Village and savor plates of Gulf-to-Table seafood. What will you do in Destin-Fort Walton Beach?

What’s Blooming in May?

What’s Blooming in May New series! Check back each month to learn about the native plants that are blooming in Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) Also known as Firewheel, is an annual wildflower that can be seen blooming May through August in the panhandle. Native Americans…

Read more

Three Ways to Participate in International Dark Sky Week in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide celebration to bring awareness to the harmful effects of light pollution. What is light pollution? Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. Why reduce the impact of light pollution? For one, do…

Read more

Where to See Sea Turtles in Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Destin-Fort Walton Beach is home to some amazing wildlife, including our four species of sea turtles! You can see Loggerhead, Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Leatherback sea turtles in our crystal-clear Gulf waters. Our flippered friends are active and can be spotted in a variety of places.

Read more

April 10, 2025

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Concerts in the Village

Thursday evenings in the spring, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents a 10-concert live music series…

DISCOVER EVENTS

ENEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

Get a little sand in your inbox.

Complete the form here to receive emails highlighting special events and opportunities in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Your information will not be sold or distributed. Privacy policy.