Updated: Jun 19, 2022
We want you to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but we also want you to be safe. Please respect the power of the water and by checking the current swimming conditions every day online at South Gulf County Volunteer Fire Department or Weather Service Beach Conditions. Or observe the signs and flags posted at both fire stations on the Cape or the flags posted in the St. Joseph State Park. Be aware that our water is subject to RIP Currents!
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. RIP currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves. If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help and remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself. Conserve energy and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and head back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.