CVB to Provide FREE Beach Safety Signage For Display in Short-Term Lodging Units
FREE Beach Flag Warning System and Rip Current Signs available for pick up at the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Information Center Panama City Beach, Fla. (Apr. 30, 2009) - In an effort to reinforce beach safety and increase public awareness, the City of Panama City Beach recently adopted an ordinance which will require all lodging properties in Panama City Beach to prominently display interior signage in each rentable unit detailing the Flag Warning System. The sign will also warn visitors of the potential hazards of rip currents. The ordinance was adopted by the City of Panama City Beach City Council on April 23, 2009, and will take effect on May 22, 2009.
To support this ordinance, the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, in cooperation with the City of Panama City Beach, has developed an 8” x 10” sign which describes the Beach Safety Warning Flag System and rip current information. This sign is to be displayed conspicuously in a frame or other protective holder in each rental unit. In addition to the sign, the Bureau also developed complimentary decals that may be applied to mirrors or other glass surfaces. These clings will feature the same beach safety information. The Bureau will underwrite the initial production of the beach safety information materials and make them available for registered tourist development tax collectors that represent lodging properties or short-term rentable lodging unit(s) in Panama City Beach.
“As we enter the peak travel season, we are reminding all visitors to keep beach safety and awareness at the forefront,” remarks Dan Rowe, president of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Providing in-room beach safety materials is another way we are enhancing our public awareness campaign. We want all of our visitors to have an enjoyable, safe vacation on Panama City Beach.”
Beginning Monday, May 4, 2009, any Panama City Beach hotel, motel, condominium or rental property can pick up the Beach Safety Materials at the Official Visitor Information Center located at the intersection of Panama City Beach Parkway (Highway 98) and Highway 79 during regular business hours Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Panama City Beach uses a Flag Warning System to alert beachgoers of changing surf conditions:
• A GREEN flag means low hazard and calm conditions. As always, swimmers should exercise caution in the water.
• A YELLOW flag indicates medium hazard, and there is presence of moderate surf and/or currents, cautioning swimmers to take additional care.
• A RED flag signals high hazard with high surf and/or currents. Swimmers are cautioned to stay out of the water.
• A DOUBLE RED flag means the WATER IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Swimmers are not allowed in the water. Double Red Flags are rip current alerts.
• A PURPLE flag indicates that dangerous marine pests are present in the water.
• The absence of flags does not assure safe waters.
In addition to displaying signs inside each rentable lodging unit, there are signs explaining the flag colors posted at beach access points, at accommodations, on billboards and on various media including radio, television, and destination websites such as www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
For more information regarding the Beach Safety Awareness signage, contact the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau at 850-233-5070.
To learn more about Ordinance No.1147, contact the City of Panama City Beach at 850-233-5100.
