Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — As Tropical Storm Bertha moves through the Gulf of Mexico, officials in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have taken the necessary step of closing area beaches to swimming. The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rain and strong wind gusts to the region, and authorities are prioritizing public safety by issuing double red flag warnings, which indicate that the water is closed to all swimmers.

While the storm’s wind and potential for coastal flooding are immediate concerns, local beach safety chiefs are urging visitors and residents to remain vigilant regarding a consistent, hidden hazard in the Gulf: rip currents.

Rip currents are the primary safety concern for the northern Gulf Coast and are identified as the number one weather-related killer in the region. Unlike the visible threat of an approaching storm, rip currents can occur even on clear, sunny days, making them deceptively dangerous for tourists and locals alike.

These powerful, narrow channels of water flow rapidly away from the shoreline, often extending through the breaker zone where waves form. Because they can travel as fast as eight feet per second, they can quickly sweep even experienced swimmers into deeper water. Statistics from the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) indicate that rip currents account for the vast majority of water rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.Safety First:

With the current beach closures due to Tropical Storm Bertha, officials emphasize that ignoring flag systems is not only dangerous but a major contributing factor to the high number of preventable drownings seen annually.

If you are at the beach and find yourself caught in a rip current, experts provide the following lifesaving guidance:

• Remain Calm: Do not fight the current. Swimming against the flow will only cause exhaustion.
• Swim Parallel: Swim parallel to the shoreline until you feel the pull of the current weaken, then swim at an angle back toward the beach.
• Signal for Help: If you cannot escape, face the shore, wave your arms, and call for assistance.
• Do Not Attempt Rescues Alone: If you see someone in trouble, do not enter the water yourself, as this often leads to secondary drownings. Instead, alert a lifeguard or call 911.



As Tropical Storm Bertha continues to move across the Gulf Coast, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay off the sand and away from the water until local authorities lift the current restrictions. Always prioritize the guidance of local beach patrols and adhere to all posted warnings to ensure a safe visit to the Alabama coast.