Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  High surf and dangerous rip currents have made this an unusually active season for beach rescue teams along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Lifeguards in Orange Beach have already responded to numerous water rescues as summer gets underway. Heavy crowds at the beaches have encountered hazardous waves and shifting surf conditions. Emergency personnel are closely monitoring the water to keep the public safe.

Thankfully, we have moved into early summer, when the surf should see fewer double red-flag days. 

The elevated activity began early. Over Memorial Day weekend, Orange Beach Surf Rescue conducted nearly 60 water rescues. The pace didn't let up — lifeguards performed 43 rescues on a single Friday, followed by eight more each on Saturday and Sunday.

The flag system that governs beach access has also been working overtime. Local officials report that single red flags flew nine times over a recent two-week period. Multiple days of double red flags also interrupted beach access during that period.

Those flags carry real legal weight. Within the city limits of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, entering the Gulf of Mexico when double red flags are flying is a violation of municipal ordinance. It is not just a safety suggestion — it is the law.

Penalties for ignoring a double red flag can be significant. A person who enters the water during a closure may face a fine of up to $500, plus court costs. In the most serious cases, violators may also face arrest and up to six months in jail.

Local officials take enforcement seriously because of what happens when someone ignores the flags. When a swimmer is caught in a severe rip current during a double red flag event, lifeguards and first responders must put themselves in danger to launch a rescue. Every preventable rescue puts emergency personnel at unnecessary risk.

Not everyone is subject to the swimming ban. Under local ordinances, the closure applies to swimmers, waders, and casual beachgoers. Licensed surfers with a surfboard securely tethered to their ankle by a leash are generally exempt — unless a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for the area.

Beachgoers have a couple of easy ways to check conditions before heading out. Texting ALBEACHES to 888777 delivers the official daily flag status directly to a phone. Those who prefer to call can reach the Orange Beach conditions line at 251-981-SURF (7873) or the Gulf Shores line at 251-968-SURF (7873).

Officials are urging visitors and locals alike to make checking the flag status part of their beach-day routine. A few seconds of preparation can mean the difference between a fun day on the sand and a life-threatening situation in the surf.