Beach officials said they will have 20-30 lifeguards on duty each day
) - Crowds gathered at Pensacola Beach Monday under blue skies and steady wind, but lifeguards are warning that conditions will deteriorate as Tropical Depression No. 2 moves closer to the area.
Lifeguards estimated waves at 2-3 feet Monday and expect them to reach at least 4-5 feet over the next several days. Yellow flags flew above the beach, prompting some swimmers to stay close to shore to avoid rip currents. Alex Johnson, Water Safety Deputy Chief, said beach officials plan to raise red flags as early as Tuesday.
“We will be at least a single red if not double red as we go into Tuesday and Wednesday and so we definitely advise everyone to stay out of the water and if it is a single red and you are going to go swimming know your limits and swim near a lifeguard,” Johnson said. Beach officials said they will have 20-30 lifeguards on duty each day.
No water rescues have been reported over the last several days, but officials expect that to change as the storm moves closer.
“As the surf increases, we do expect to have more water rescue activity and again we advise everyone to swim near a lifeguard because we know where the hazards are, where the currents are and we can advise you how to best stay safe,” Johnson said. Some visitors said they plan to return to the beach this week as long as it is not raining, while others said they will avoid it altogether.
Beachgoer Natasha Burson said she noticed the conditions were already different.
“It’s been wonderful, the weather cannot be any more perfect, but I tell you these waves are not usual. You can tell something is in the atmosphere you can tell,” Burson said.
“The water’s really strong it just throws you around because of the storm that’s coming. So, this is a little more than what we’re used to on a calmer vacation,” Burson said.
“Exercise caution, use common sense. If the water looks too rough get out don’t go in,” Link said.
“Just stay along the shoreline. Think you’ll be good other than that just don’t get too far out because you never know,” Burson said. Lifeguards said that if conditions on the Gulf side are too rough, Quietwater Beach on the sound side is typically calmer.
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