Beach Report and Safety

GET DAILY SURF CONDITIONS BY TEXT 

For beach conditions in Gulf Shores, call 251-968-SURF (7873).
For beach conditions in Orange Beach, call 251-981-SURF (7873). 

For beach conditions across the entire Alabama coast, visit the National Weather Service, then select the Rip Current tab. 

You may not always know the address of your location or how to instruct others to find you. With the what3words app, your location can be pinpointed within a 10-foot square. The entire world has been given a unique combination of three words for each 10-foot square: a what3words address. Now you can find, share and navigate to precise locations using three simple words. And while there are many ways to use the app, some of the best uses within our destination include: 

• Helping emergency services find you
• Finding your way back to your parking space
• Helping others find you at a festival or event
• For trail navigation

Learn more and download the app at what3words.com.

Swimming in the Gulf is much different than swimming in a pool. It is important to respect the strength of the sea and the marine life that lives there. 

• ALWAYS check surf and weather conditions before heading to the beach and observe beach flags.
• Never swim alone. Always stay in groups. Don’t wander too far from shore. 
• Don’t swim near piers, pilings, and platforms. Exercise caution when swimming in areas between sandbars or near steep drop-offs. 
• Do not swim in areas being used by fishermen. Avoid swimming in areas where schools of fish are present. Diving seabirds are good indicators of areas to avoid.
• Alcohol and swimming do not mix. 
• Use extra caution when water is murky. Avoid being in the water during dusk, nighttime, or twilight hours.
• Avoid wearing shiny jewelry and clothing. 
• Stay informed of local weather and beach conditions.

• Protect your skin:  Always wear a sunscreen appropriate for your skin type, paying special attention to face, nose, ears, shoulders, and feet. Protect your lips as well. Most people don’t realize how much sun they’re getting until it’s too late. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and should be reapplied every two hours or after getting wet. 
• Children Need Extra Protection: Liberally apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Make sure children wear sun hats and sunglasses. Re-apply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming. 
• Drink Plenty of Water: Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate you. 
• Protect Your Eyes:  Ultra-violet (UV) rays can damage your eyes. Don’t forget your sunglasses. 
• Beware of Heat Stroke: Watch for hot, red, and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. If someone shows symptoms, call 911. Keep the victim lying down and cool the body by placing ice packs or cold packs on wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck. Wet towels may also be used.
• Sunburn Relief: Drink lots of water. Soak in a cool bath or apply cold compresses several times a day. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen may help relieve pain and swelling, and aloe vera may help relieve the burn. Do not apply petroleum jelly or oil-based lotions. 

Beach goers at Alabama Point East public access can borrow life jackets while enjoying their time on the beach. These life jackets are free and are available in various sizes. We encourage children and those who aren’t strong swimmers to take advantage of these vests. Remember to return them before you leave.

• Turn the tunes down: We want everyone to enjoy their beach day. Keep the volume low, or pack your earbuds.
• Keep a close eye on your kids
• Do NOT feed the birds: It’s unhealthy for the birds to consume human food, and encouraging them to gather around other beach patrons is not courteous.
• Watch the language: Alabama’s Beaches are family-friendly, so let’s keep it G-rated.
• Pick up your trash: It’s important to leave only footprints when visiting our beaches.

The best advice is to follow the Golden Rule: Treat others at the beach how you want to be treated.