Dangerous Marine Life Reported at Gulf Coast Beach

(KMDL-FM) As many South Louisiana families are taking their turn at the beach, there is word of a different kind of danger for those who like to get into the Gulf. In addition to a moderate risk of rip currents, at least on the Gulf Coast Beach, Panama City, Florida, is reporting the occurrence of dangerous marine life in the bathing areas.

Matt Cardy, Getty Images

What Does a Purple Flag Flying at the Beach Mean?

Dangerous marine life can mean anything from stinging jellyfish to stingrays, but it doesn't necessarily mean sharks. When you see a purple flag displayed at the beach by lifeguards, that's when you'll want to make sure that you and your family are not getting into the surf and exposing yourself to unnecessary dangers.

READ MORE: New Resort Opens on Gulf Coast

As of Sunday morning, both a purple flag and a single red flag were flying over Panama City Beach. The red flag means dangerous surf conditions. The surf conditions are expected to be less than ideal again today, but should improve as the day wears on.

Other popular beaches along the northern Gulf Coast, Destin, Pensacola, and Gulf Shores, were also displaying single red flags on Sunday. Remember, the red flag doesn't mean the water is close, a double red flag does, but the single red flag is warning to use extreme caution. Personally, I wouldn't chance it.

weather.gov/mob

The above graphic is from the National Weather Service Forecast Office that serves Pensacola and Mobile, and their forecasts cover most of the beaches that many of us frequent.

READ MORE: Which Gulf Coast Beaches Now Have Shark Alerts For Your Phone? 

As you can see, today will be a better day for getting in the Gulf than Sunday was, and it looks as though later today through Tuesday evening will be the better beach days.

Rip Currents and Marine Life Aren't the Only Dangers At the Beach

One other concern that beachgoers might not have factored into their beach plans ahead of time. Much of Lower Alabama and the Florida Panhandle will experience excessive heat today.

NOAA.gov

It's not the super dangerous heat that we can experience during the height of summer, but if you're not hydrated and stay out in the sun too long, the heat can certainly affect you.

Don't forget your sunscreen. That will also come in handy.