Summer is in full swing, and nothing says summertime like a fun-filled day at the beach. When you visit the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are just a few beach-usage rules to keep in mind:

  1. Keep off the dunes, vegetation and bird nesting areas.

It may be tempting to walk up on the dunes for a photo op with those gorgeous sea oats, but please, please, please . . . resist. Our sand dunes and beach vegetation are crucial to our coastline for many reasons. One reason is because the dunes are home to a variety of wildlife, particularly nesting birds. Another reason it’s so important to stay off sand dunes and use boardwalks to reach the beach: Dunes provide inland protection and minimize flooding during storms.

  1. Refill all holes.

This one is simple: No one – man, woman or turtle – likes to fall in a hole. Sea turtle nesting season runs May through November on Alabama’s beaches, and holes on the beach can be life-threatening obstacles for baby turtles trying to make their way to the gulf after hatching. Additionally, holes can be tripping hazards and potentially cause injuries for humans.

  1. Don’t litter.

Again, this one isn’t exactly tricky. Leave the beach exactly as you would like to find it. Any trash should leave with you or be deposited in the appropriate bins located along the beach. We’ve heard from many residents and visitors that they’ve even committed to picking up any piece of trash they encounter on the beach. To those people: Thank you!

  1. Observe and abide by the Beach Warning Flag System.

Safety should always come first. Call 251-968-TIDE (8433) or 251-981-SURF (7873) for current surf conditions before your beach day, and learn what the flags mean:

  • Green flag = Low Hazard: Calm Conditions, Exercise Caution
  • Yellow flag = Medium Hazard: Moderate Surf and/or Currents
  • Purple flag = Dangerous Marine Life
  • Single red flag = High Hazard: High Surf and/or Strong Currents
  • Double red flag = Water Closed to the Public
  1. Remove all belongings each evening

Last, but certainly not least, take all your chairs, towels, ice chests, trash and beach gear with you after your day of fun in the sun. Anything not removed by one hour after sunset will be disposed of by the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

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