Swimming Safely

Welcome to Pensacola Beach. The sugar-white sand and emerald-colored water of our pristine beaches provide a great place to have fun, but be aware that dangerous currents are sometimes present. It is imperative that you heed the warnings of our flag system. We want you to have fun but please, "Swim Safely."

Surf conditions can be deceiving. There can be dangerous currents even on calm days. Call for the latest surf advisory at Pensacola Beach (932-SURF) and the Gulf Islands National Seashore in the protected areas.

Double Red: Water closed to public

Red: High hazard, high surf and/or strong currents

Yellow: Medium hazard, moderate surf and/or currents

Green: Low hazard, calm conditions, exercise caution

Purple: Dangerous marine life

The Gulf of Mexico is beautiful, warm and inviting but can sometimes be hazardous. Where lifeguards are present, please be aware of flags that alert you to conditions of currents.

Rip currents and rapidly changing weather conditions can create dangerous situations if you are unprepared. It’s always safest to swim where lifeguards are present. And never swim alone.

It is always safest to "Swim With The Lifeguards" in the Gulf of Mexico. Have fun but "Swim Safely." Download our Swim Safely postcard.

Emergency Actions
If an emergency occurs in an area not covered by a lifeguard, call 911. It’s always safest to "Swim With The Lifeguards". Look for guards at Casino Beach, Park East and the Ft. Pickens areas.

Rip currents are narrow channels of water flowing out past the surf zone that can pull even strong swimmers into deep water beyond the offshore sand bar.

If caught in a rip current, do not panic! Try to escape a rip current by moving sideways across it; that is, parallel to the shore. If the current is too strong, let it carry you further away from shore and it will weaken. Then swim back to shore at an angle away from the rip current.

Please also the the Escambia County Department of Public Safety's Tips for Travelers.