Let me be one of the first to welcome all of you visiting our
beautiful beaches! We are really glad you are here. Here are just a
few gentle reminders - for both locals and tourists - as we all enjoy fun in the sand, surf and sun.
- Mind the Beach Flag System
The flags on our beaches inform you of what the current "risk" is to swim in the Gulf. Rip currents are prevalent here and every year, tragically people are pulled out far from shore and drown because they don't mind the flag system and don't know how to navigate out of a rip current. When in doubt or if you are swimming in water more than knee deep, it's a good idea to swim with a flotation device.
I know - Seemore The Safety Crab (below) is goofy-looking BUT he reminds both locals and visitors alike we need to heed the message the of Flags flying at any given time. Tragedy strikes annually because smart folks make bad decisions when they don't follow the rules. - Leave No Trace at the beach
Our beaches are some of the most beautiful and pristine in the world. Did you know the Beaches of South Walton is the only destination in the country to have all 26 miles of coastline certified as "Blue Wave"? Everyone needs to pitch in to keep it this way by making sure, when you leave the beach, you remove every single item that you brought there with you. Do not leave garbage of any sort behind. And I know - lugging a truckload of beach chairs, toys, tents, towels and coolers to the beach is a real pain in the butt. Lugging it all back home after a long day in the sun and surf sucks even more. But it's your responsibility to remove it all. And fill those holes you dig, too, please! - Help The Sea Turtles
Did you know we have several types of turtles that use our beaches to nest every year? We are about ready to enter their nesting season and when we dig big holes and don't fill them or leave chairs and toys scattered on the beach, they sometimes can't navigate around this stuff and they don't nest. Keep in mind, too, they are endangered species so they need us to be good stewards. - You Have Arrived - You can Slow Down
There is a sign in Grayton Beach that reminds all of us this. I so appreciate it - it reminds me I am headed to the beach and it's time to switch into relaxation mode and leave the office and bills and housework at home. There is no need to rush when you are in paradise. There is no need to get huffy if you have to wait - in line, for a table, at a stop sign... You have arrived - relax, smile, be happy.
