Water is closed to the public

June 10, 2012

DOUBLE RED FLAG CONDITIONS: WATER IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC SURF ZONE FORECAST: WAVE HEIGHTS: 3-4 feet. RIP CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PROBABILITY AND RIP CURRENT STRENGTH: very high…a very high risk of life threatening rip currents means that wind, wave and tidal conditions all support the development of extremely strong and dangerous rip currents. Water is closed to the public. For more information, go to: www.swfd.org/weather.php

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office advises the public that there are double red flags flying on Walton County Beaches today.  Double Red Flags indicate that the water is closed to the public.  According to Walton County Ordinance, “The Director of Emergency Operations or the Walton County Sheriff’s Office shall have authority to declare that an emergency exists and temporarily close or restrict the use of the beach and adjacent waters for use by the public when conditions endangering the safety of the public are present.”  After notice has been given to the public, either by being told or by the posting of signs, it is a violation of ordinance 2003-07.  The fine is $100, but could end up costing more than the money in someone’s wallet; it could cost someone’s life.