Escambia County Public Safety is encouraging the public to always exercise caution when visiting Escambia County beaches and swimming in the Gulf, especially in light of a drowning on Perdido Key over the weekend.
Escambia County Emergency Communications received a call at about 2:44 p.m. Saturday, April 1 for a snorkeler who was found floating unconscious near the shore, just east of the public access boardwalk across from the Perdido Key Community Center. The patient was an adult male and was visiting from out of town. Paramedic rescue attempts were unsuccessful, and the patient was pronounced deceased on scene. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office will complete an investigation of the incident.
A yellow flag was flying at the time, which represents moderate surf and/or currents. Swimmers should exercise extra caution when entering the Gulf during yellow flag conditions. Beachgoers are reminded to always be aware of their swimming abilities and water conditions when visiting the beach, observe the posted flag conditions and swim near a lifeguard.
Beach condition flag warnings:
- Green flag - Means low hazard, but you should still exercise caution.
- Yellow flag - Indicates moderate surf and conditions such as rip currents. Swimmers should exercise careful caution when entering the water.
- Red flag - Strong currents and high surf, no swimming or wading. Entering the Gulf of Mexico to swim or wade during red flag conditions is illegal in Escambia County.
- Double red flags - Only used during hurricanes and other natural disasters. No swimming, wading or surfing in the Gulf of Mexico. Entering the Gulf of Mexico during double red flag conditions is illegal in Escambia County.
- Purple flag - Indicates dangerous marine wildlife may be present. Please use caution when entering the water.
Beach conditions can be checked on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards page on MyEscambia.com and on the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards Facebook page.
