Tropical Storm Cindy: Gulf Reopens at Gulf Shores, Panama City; Destin Waters Remain Off Limits

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Gulf reopens at Gulf Shores, Panama City; Destin waters remain off limits

Posted on June 24, 2017 at 10:20 AM

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Many Panhandle beaches are under a single red flag today, meaning water is open though officials are advising swimmers to use extreme caution. (Contributed photo/South Walton Fire District)

Officials have opened the Gulf waters in Gulf Shores and Panama City but are advising visitors to use extreme caution in the wake of Tropical Storm Cindy.

Water in Gulf Shores, Panama City, Destin and along the Panhandle were closed Tuesday through Friday due to high surf and dangerous rip currents created by Tropical Storm Cindy.

Gulf Shores removed the double red flags - indicating the water was closed - this morning, replacing them with a single red flag. The single red flag indicates high surf and strong rip currents.

"While the posting of single red flags effectively opens the waters to swimmers, public safety officials urge the public not to enter the waters of the Gulf when there are red flags flying," Gulf Shores officials said in a statement. "The rip currents are very dangerous, and can overcome even the best swimmers very quickly."

If someone does go into the water, officials advised wearing a flotation device or bringing something such as a boogie board or swimming noodle with them.

Panama City reopened its water last night but is also advising people to use caution. A single red flag indicating high hazards, surf and currents remains along Panama City beaches.

Beaches in South Walton County are also under a single red flag.

"Be extremely careful if you insist on entering the water. Knee deep is too deep," South Walton Fire Department said in a statement. "Historically, the days just after the double red flags come down to a single red are the days that have the most water rescues. Visitors underestimate the remaining dangers."

Destin beaches have reopened but as of Saturday morning, the water remains off limits.

Two deaths have been attributed to the tropical storm. A 10-year old Missouri boy died after he was struck by a log in front of a waterfront condo on Wednesday. On Friday, a 57-year-old man drowned in waters off Fort Morgan as he rescued two children. The children were not injured.

Updated on June 26, 2017 at 8:05 AMPosted on June 26, 2017 at 8:00 AM

 

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/06/gulf_reopens_at_gulf_shores_pa.html