Jellyfish alert issued for some North Florida beaches

Cover photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo by Greg Goebel | Flickr

Those looking to take to the sands in South Walton, Florida may want to exercise caution, as the South Walton Fire District has alerted the public to stinging marine life and moderately hazardous surf conditions as of Saturday, August 26.

According to a post shared by South Walton Fire District on X, formerly known as Twitter, purple and yellow flags will be flying on beaches across South Walton today by South Walton Fire Department lifeguards.

Yellow flags indicate a moderate hazard for surf currents, meaning there is an increased likelihood of rough waters, high waves, or small rip currents. Purple flags are indicative of concentrations of hazardous marine life in coastal waters, usually jellyfish or stingrays.

In South Walton's case, jellyfish are encroaching on swimmer's space.

The South Walton Fire District warns would-be swimmers to exercise caution, recommending to swim near a lifeguard, to avoid the sea life as much as possible, and remember to use warm water rather than ice for pain relief from a jellyfish sting.

If you happen to get caught up in a rip current, the NOAA advises that you wave and yell for help while swimming parallel to the shore, and not to exhaust yourself by fighting against the current.
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In other beach news, a central Florida beach has been issued a no-swim advisory as a result of high concentrations of fecal bacteria. Read the full story here.
Article by Rachael Volpe