Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – In response to a series of tragic drownings in 2023, Baldwin County and its coastal communities, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, are intensifying efforts to promote beach safety and rip current awareness ahead of Spring Break. The initiative, named “BEach Safe: Know Before You Go,” launched approximately two and a half years ago, aims to educate visitors on the potential dangers of rip currents and the importance of beach safety.

The campaign, supported by Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism, offers a comprehensive digital portal equipped with various resources such as logos, QR codes, signage, videos, graphics, and, as of this year, materials in Spanish to broaden its reach. These assets are available for public use to ensure critical safety information reaches as many people as possible, especially targeting visitors from other Alabama counties and the Southeastern United States.

In addition to the digital resources, several local agencies, including the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the National Weather Service, and various fire departments in the region, have contributed to the campaign by providing beach safety tips and information on their websites and social media platforms. This collective effort comes in the wake of Rip Current Awareness Week, highlighting the community's dedication to preventing further beach-related incidents.

By sharing this information and utilizing the available resources, the campaign's partners hope to significantly reduce the number of beachgoers affected by rip currents and other beach hazards. They encourage everyone planning a visit to the Gulf Coast to educate themselves and others on beach safety practices before stepping onto the sand.