Safety
Beach Flags & Safety
Check official beach flags, surf conditions, rip-current guidance, and local beach rules before entering the water.
GulfPulse does not issue beach flags. Flag status, surf conditions and closures are published and updated by the official agencies below — always obey posted flags and lifeguards on site.
Primary source
Official flags for Okaloosa Island
Emerald Coast Beach Flag Status Viewer
Source: Sea Florida Change
Regional flag status viewer covering Emerald Coast beaches, including Okaloosa County and Destin.
Updated by beach safety officials throughout the day.
Link verified Jul 27, 2026
Also covering this area
More official resources
Destin Chamber Beach Webcams
Source: Destin Chamber of Commerce
Directory of live Destin-area beach webcams maintained by the Destin Chamber.
Link verified Jul 27, 2026
The Island Pier
Source: The Island Pier
Official links for The Island Pier on Okaloosa Island — hours, tickets, live updates and social channels.
Link verified Jul 27, 2026
Reference
What the flags mean
Green flag — calm conditions. Stay aware; conditions change quickly.
Yellow flag — medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents. Use caution.
Red flag — high hazard. High surf or strong currents. Swim only if experienced.
Double red flag — water closed to the public. Do not enter the water.
Purple flag — dangerous marine life reported (jellyfish, stingrays, etc.).
Flag meanings follow the Florida uniform beach warning flag program. Local agencies may post additional signage.
Rip currents
If you get caught
1. Don't fight the current — it pulls you out, not under.
2. Stay calm, float, and call or wave for help.
3. Swim parallel to shore until you're out of the pull, then angle back in.
4. Never swim alone, and never enter the water on a double red flag.
NOAA rip current safetyElsewhere on the coast
Other official sources
30A Current Beach Flags
Source: 30A.com
Current beach flag conditions posted along the South Walton / 30A corridor.
Link verified Jul 27, 2026
South Walton Fire District Surf Conditions
Source: South Walton Fire District
Official daily surf and flag conditions issued by the South Walton Fire District Beach Safety Division.
Issued daily by SWFD Beach Safety.
Link verified Jul 27, 2026
Visit South Walton Beach Safety
Source: Visit South Walton
Beach rules, rip-current guidance, flag meanings and local ordinances for South Walton beaches.
Link verified Jul 27, 2026
In an emergency, call 911 immediately. Conditions change fast — when in doubt, don't go out.
Was this information helpful?
Takes a few seconds — it helps us fix what's wrong.
You're helping shape GulfPulse. Thanks for your feedback!Share Feedback