PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Despite the conditions, Tuesday was a busy day on Pensacola Beach. WEAR News captured hundreds of visitors enjoying the sun, but not the water.
The Gulf is currently closed to swimming with double red flags from Panama City to Gulf Shores. Tunic Dress
Escambia County Public Safety began their new system earlier this year to stay in line with those neighboring beaches.
Earlier this month, the county revised the beach flag system for Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key.
"Just keep in mind this isn't a water park," Water Safety Deputy Chief, Alex Johnson said. "It's not break the rules and get kicked out, it's break the rules and you could risk you and your family's lives."
For just the second time, Pensacola Beach is flying double red flags without being under a hurricane watch.
Johnson explains the decision that went into effect earlier this month helps Escambia County's shorelines stay in sync with surrounding areas.
"On Pensacola Beach, in previous years we used to only fly double red when there's a hurricane and use single red when we close the waters," Johnson said. "Neighboring beaches advise you not to go in on single red and close the waters on double red, so now we've switched to that with our partners to the East and West to spread that consistent message."
"Today's not the day to go in. If you want to swim, take your family to the sound side where there's no waves or currents. It's really just about talking to the public," He added.
Despite the current conditions being brought on by a tropical system in the gulf, Johnson says it doesn't take as much as one might think to hoist the double reds.
He says with the constant flow of visitors there is a need for a daily reminder that there's still reason for caution when the warning flags are reduced.
"Without major low-pressure systems, we can get days with massive surf and strong currents," Johnson said.
"Even as we get into the next couple of days, even if the surf side drops, there's still a lot of water and energy coming through there," Johnson said. "Definitely be cautious over the next week, even if we go to single red on Thursday or Friday, there's still going to be a lot of water."
"We're always mindful of the currents here. Swim near a lifeguard, know about rip currents, and be safe," he added.
With an extreme heat wave hitting parts of the country this week, Pensacola Beach Water Safety explains the 90-degree temperatures in our area are to be expected, but not taken lightly.
"The heat gets people every single day on our beaches. The sun hits you three different ways here," Noah Logvin said. "Make sure you're hydrated and all that."
If you're caught swimming in the Gulf in these conditions, you are subject to a fine.
custom printed scarf However, Johnson says to date there has never been a citation issued for being in the water when closed.