Dangerous marine life at Gulf Coast beach: Latest conditions in Panama City, Destin, Gulf Shores

If you are heading to the coast, keep a close eye on the sand. Purple flags are currently flying at several popular Gulf Coast beaches, signaling that dangerous marine life has been spotted in the water.

What the Flags Mean

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, purple flags are used to alert swimmers to the presence of marine pests, such as jellyfish, stingrays, or a Portuguese man o’war, which can cause minor injuries. Officials emphasize that this flag is not used to indicate the presence of sharks.

Beach Conditions and Surf Warnings

Panama City Beach is currently seeing both red and purple flags. The single red flag warns of high hazards from surf and strong currents, though beaches remain open. Officials note the surf is expected to be choppy today, with waves between 3 and 5 feet and a strong west-running current. High tide hit at 10:25 a.m., with low tide scheduled for 9:58 p.m.

Similar conditions are impacting other areas, with single red flags flying in both Gulf Shores and Destin. While water access remains open in Gulf Shores, officials are urging visitors to stay on the shore for their own safety. Destin is reporting heavy surf with heights reaching up to 2 feet and concerns regarding rip currents.

Looking Ahead

The National Weather Service in Mobile expects surf conditions to improve early this week before potentially worsening on Wednesday. Much of the coastline, stretching from Dauphin Island to Destin, remains under a moderate warning for rip currents through Monday. That warning is expected to drop to low on Monday night and remain there through Tuesday night, before picking back up to moderate levels on Wednesday and Thursday.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, follow the safety recommendations provided by the NWS.