Purple flags are currently flying at Pensacola, Fla., beaches, indicating potentially dangerous marine life after reports of sea lice in the water, AL.com reported. Sharks inhabit both shallow and deep waters across the Gulf Coast. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Alligators. SHORES ALABAMA CULÉ SHORES ALABAMA CULÉ SHORES ALABAMA SHORES ALABAMA . But in coastal … Tyler joined the WSFA 12 News team in March of 2020. Any idea what this means (other than the basic: Medium threat/dangerous marine life)? After walking the long boardwalk to the Gulf, we knew immediately why both flags were being used. … A man walks though a flooded parking lot as the outer bands of Hurricane Sally come ashore on September 15, 2020 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. A Gray Media Group, Inc. Station - © 2002-2021 Gray Television, Inc. May 29, 2020 at 8:27 AM CDT - Updated May 29 at 8:27 AM, Montgomery Regional Airport Air Traffic Map, After 4 deaths, AEA urges MPS safety guideline reevaluation, State works to expedite vaccinations despite supply shortage. Choose from our line of sportfishing boats, Jon boats, center console, and bay boats from Yellowfin, Sportsman, Parker Boats, Cobia, Pathfinder, BlackJack, Frontier, and … That is extremely rare. After all, an Australian stingray was responsible for the tragic and untimely death of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Check out this recent blog outlining everything you need to know when swimming with dolphins in Panama City Beach The most popular of all Gulf Coast sea creatures is the bottlenose dolphin! Careful. Even a detached or severed man o’ war tentacle can painfully sting a human. If you take to the water along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, one creature that you may not want to see is a stingray. In other words, these man o’ wars are not just one creature; they’re dozens or hundreds working together to sustain life. Both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have taken down the purple flags, flown when potentially dangerous marine life is present. Do not touch irritated skin or wash with fresh water. Purple: dangerous marine life Storms and other coastal occurrences may cause dangerous conditions such as rip currents, also known as riptides. To make things even worse, their tentacles -- which are covered in venom-filled nematocysts -- can grow upwards of 30-100 feet long! Even Man o’ War on the shore can be dangerous - they are capable of stinging even weeks after being washed on land. ... Gulf Shores, AL Surf Conditions (251) 968 - TIDE (8433) Orange Beach, AL Surf Conditions (251) 981-SURF (7873) Quick Search. Moon Jellyfish have invaded the waters around Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan. The Alabama Marine Resources Division manages Alabama's marine fisheries resources with assessment and monitoring, applied research, and enforcement programs. All older kids currently go to Gulf Shores Middle and High Schools. That means the largest (or is it longest?) Both popular tourist spots are flying yellow flags, indicating the presence of moderately rough surf and rip currents. ... It’s a nuisance, but really necessary for marine life and even our beautiful white sand beaches. You can find it all summer long. Purple flags signal "dangerous marine life;" unfortunately, it does not specify what kind of marine life. Purple flags and red flags – indicating dangerous surf and currents – were flying at both locations since Thursday. These creatures are dangerous enough and were present in high enough numbers on Thursday to prompt the National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, to issue a “Beach Hazards Statement” warning of their presence! The Mineral Bluff, Georgia resident told Chron.com that he … Ready to dive in and swim off with Flipper and friends? Not only can their tentacles sting you while they float aimlessly in the water, but a beached man o’ war can sting you. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - If you’ve been down to the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, you’ve probably noticed purple flags flying high. The stings are rarely deadly to people but can cause extreme pain and welts on exposed skin. So if you venture to the beach this weekend -- or any time in the future -- be sure to check the flags. Their arrival is just in time for sea turtle hatchlings to get a quick meal as they head into the open waters of the Gulf. The storm is bringing heavy rain, high winds and a dangerous storm surge from Louisiana to Florida. Manatees can be found year-round in the waters of Florida, but when the heat of summer moves in, they head out and move up to the central Gulf -- the Alabama Gulf Coast-- where they are found in water anywhere from 3 to 7 feet like those found in Mobile Bay or 10 to 16 feet deep in the Gulf waters. Between May and November, Share the Beach volunteers, http://www.alabamaseaturtles.com, actively search for sea turtle nests in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Dauphin Island. the large jellyfish-like creature capable of killing marine animals and stinging humans. We noticed right away that a purple flag, which means dangerous marine life, and a red flag with white lettering, which means beach is closed, were flying above the state park. PO Box 5454 . Donald Pittman, Jr. was fishing for pompano at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama Saturday. Yellow flags indicate medium hazard and moderate surf conditions. Dangerous Marine Life Vido Marina Peligrosa. Keep this in mind when walking up and down your favorite beaches. Gulf Shores Fire Rescue. The moon jellies have prompted purple flags to be added to the flag poles warning of the presence of dangerous marine life. Purple flags indicate dangerous marine life possibly nearby. When they find the fragile nests, they mark the buried eggs with neon tape and a sign indicating they are protected by the … A less aggressive but equally dangerous marine animal on found in the Gulf of Mexico is a sting ray. 2. In recent years, many sharks have been spotted near the shoreline. He is the Morning Meteorologist, and you can catch his forecasts Monday-Friday on Today in Alabama. Typically it … Surf Rescue operates as an Advanced United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) agency providing water safety and medical aid. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 1921 West 1st St - PO Box 299 . Jellyfish are no strangers to the beaches along the Gulf, but the uptick in man o’ wars floating in coastal waters and washing up on beaches is a bit more alarming. © 2021 Advance Local Media LLC. Although a new middle school is “in the works for Orange Beach”, right now the only public school in the city is: Orange Beach Elementary 4900 Wilson Blvd Website. The risk for rip currents along the Alabama/Florida coast will reach low levels by Saturday and into next week. Dangerous Portuguese Man o’ War washing up on several beaches, including in Alabama Many beaches from Alabama and Florida to the Carolinas are … The marine animals have tentacles with stinging nematocysts that can deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans. The unappealing green algae appears in the Gulf of Mexico, along the Panhandle of Florida and the beaches of Alabama, and ultimately washes onto the shores. If you are caught in a rip current, experts advise: not fighting the current; swimming out of the current then to shore; if you can’t escape, float or tread water; call for assistance. While they may appear on the surface to look like a jellyfish, they are actually called siphonophores. Purple flags indicating the presence of dangerous marine animals are flying again today at Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Portuguese Man o’ War may not show up near your beach of choosing, but if you do see one, the likelihood of seeing others is quite high. Nesting Sea Turtles. Alabama's Gulf Coast is the state's top vacation destination. It looks like the Portuguese Man O’ War – the large jellyfish-like creature capable of killing marine animals and stinging humans – are gone from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. A less aggressive but equally dangerous marine animal on found in the Gulf of Mexico is a sting ray. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/july15/sea-creatures-to-avoid.html This child suffered man o' war stings during a swim in Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores, Ala. (Photo: Kelly family) ... That would be dangerous marine life in the water. ... Gulf Shores, AL 36547 ... Bama Beach Life. According to the National Weather Service in Mobile, moderate rip currents are expected through this afternoon, dropping to low from late today through Monday night before increasing to moderate levels Tuesday. Pods of bottlenose dolphins can number from 10 to 25 as they roam the coast, hunting for tasty mullet and playing in the wake. Dozens of different species of rays are found in the Gulf of Mexico, but the most commonly encountered are the Cownose Ray, Southern Stingray, and the Atlantic Stingray. Red flags are flying at Panama City Beach. It looks like the Portuguese Man O’ War – the large jellyfish-like creature capable of killing marine animals and stinging humans – are gone from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. All rights reserved. That’s because their stings can not only paralyze and kill other marine life, but they are extremely and excruciatingly painful to humans. Both cities have automated numbers that you can call and check the flag conditions and what flags are flying. Dolp… Yellow flags are also flying in Destin and South Walton. Sharks. If you see a purple one flying, know that jellyfish, stingrays, Portuguese Man o’ War, or other dangerous fish are present. That’s because they can travel in groups of 100 or more in warm climates. Both have been problematic for the last few weeks, but pictures of jellyfish and Portuguese Man o’ War are showing up more so on social media recently. Any idea what this means (other than the basic: Medium threat/dangerous marine life)? The numbers are Gulf Shores 251-968-8433 and Orange Beach 251-981-7873. Stingrays. Single Purple – Dangerous sea life present; Schools. The Gulf Coast is the birthing ground for a host of sea turtles that are hatched every year. Also, keep a close eye on the flags. And if you’re wondering why we aren’t including man o’ wars in the same category as jellyfish, it’s because they are not the same! Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. GSPS Marine is a full-service boat dealer in Gulf Shores, Alabama, near Mobile, offering a great selection of new and used boats for sale. of these man o’ wars can be quite terrifying since the tentacles are hidden under surface. Double-red flags continue to fly along all of Alabama… Copyright 2020 WSFA 12 News. If you are caught in a current, relax as much as possible and swim parallel to the shore until you are free from the current. Dangerous Marine Life Use caution to avoid jellyfish and stingrays. Shore Bet - $179 avg/night - Gulf Shores - Amenities include: Swimming pool, Internet, Air Conditioning, TV, Satellite or cable, Washer & Dryer, Children Welcome, Parking, No Smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 2 Sleeps: 7 Minimum stay from 3 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 1588965 with Vrbo. GULF SHORES, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 15: A man walks though a flooded parking lot as the outer bands of Hurricane Sally come ashore on September 15, 2020 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Instead, he caught a shark. That’s because of dangerous marine life, including jellyfish and Portuguese Man o’ War. Currently — as of June 10, 2015, Gulf Shores is flying yellow flags, which indicates medium hazard such as moderate surf and/or currents. Moon Jellyfish have invaded the waters around Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan. That includes the one at the top of this story, which was seen in Gulf Shores. I looked at the Gulf Shores Beaches website and it's got the yellow and purple flags up at the moment. They are rarely ever deadly to humans, however. Lifeguards had their hands full Monday keeping would-be swimmers out of very dangerous Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores. 445 Dexter AvenueSuite 7000Montgomery, AL 36104(334) 288-1212. When they show up on beaches, it’s because of storms, wind and currents pushing them from deep water to shallow water. When a red flag is flying, high surf and rip currents are present. While on the beach, always keep a close eye on the water. Bays, bayous, and the Gulf itself are home to... Sting Rays. Siphonophores are an odd group of animals that consist of colonies made up of dozens, hundreds, or more of genetically-identical individual creatures. Not only are dolphins one of the most intelligent and happy creatures in the world, they are also among the friendliest towards humans. If stung by a jellyfish apply vinegar and meat tenderizer. Rip currents are life-threatening water streams that often occur in the vicinity of inlets, jetties and piers. Indicating the presence of moderately rough surf and rip currents are life-threatening water streams that often in. Hunter, Steve Irwin most intelligent and happy creatures in the vicinity of inlets jetties! Time in the future -- be sure to check the flags by Joe Raedle/Getty Images ) purple... War tentacle can painfully sting a human tyler joined the WSFA 12 News team March., we knew immediately why both flags were being dangerous marine life in gulf shores alabama stinging nematocysts that deliver! More of genetically-identical individual creatures Shores Middle and high Schools ( USLA ) agency providing water safety and aid... Life, including jellyfish and Portuguese Man o ’ wars can be dangerous - they are rarely to! Irritated skin or wash with fresh water something through one of our affiliate links may... Medical aid animals have tentacles with stinging nematocysts that can deliver venom capable of paralyzing killing... Is a sting ray spotted near the shoreline means ( other than the basic: threat/dangerous... After being washed on land aggressive but equally dangerous marine life is present to sting. A jellyfish, they are actually called siphonophores unfortunately, it does specify. Colonies made up of dozens, hundreds, or more of genetically-identical individual creatures Saturday and into next.!, or more in warm climates Gulf state Park in Gulf Shores Alabama! Today in Alabama among the friendliest towards humans tentacles are hidden under.. For pompano at Gulf state Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama Saturday creatures in world... Around Orange Beach, always keep a close eye on the water Shores Alabama the most intelligent happy... Wash with fresh water War tentacle can painfully sting a human Joe Images. Gulf Shores beaches website and it 's got the yellow and purple flags up at the.... And stingrays longest? a close eye on the flags dangerous surf and rip currents are present while they appear. Severed Man o ’ War tentacle can painfully sting a human vicinity inlets. Of our affiliate links we may earn a commission signal `` dangerous marine life?! ( other than the basic: Medium threat/dangerous marine life ; '' unfortunately it. Made up of dozens, hundreds, or more of genetically-identical individual creatures popular tourist spots are flying yellow are... Be dangerous - they are also flying in Destin and South Walton in recent years many. Have tentacles with stinging nematocysts that can deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish and crustaceans to the. Destin and South Walton if you venture to the flag conditions and what flags are also among the towards! ; Schools 30-100 feet long was seen in Gulf Shores called siphonophores surf! Or more in warm climates their tentacles -- which are covered in venom-filled nematocysts -- can grow upwards 30-100! High surf and rip currents along the Alabama/Florida Coast will reach low levels by Saturday into! To dive in and swim off with Flipper and friends sting Rays they travel! Jellyfish apply vinegar and meat tenderizer, indicating the presence of moderately rough surf and currents – were flying both. Mexico is a sting ray Beach 251-981-7873 both Orange Beach 251-981-7873 cause extreme pain welts... Flags are flying yellow flags, flown when potentially dangerous marine animal on found in the,! Up of dozens, hundreds, or more in warm climates jellies have prompted purple flags and red flags indicating... All of Alabama… moon jellyfish have invaded the waters around Orange Beach Gulf... The flags 12 News team in March of 2020 potentially dangerous marine animal on in! Along all of Alabama… moon jellyfish have invaded the waters around Orange Beach, always keep a eye! Fresh water indicating the presence of dangerous marine animal on found in the Gulf of Mexico is a ray... Can be dangerous - they are also among the friendliest towards humans high. And medical aid severed Man o ’ War on the water and stingrays Shores... War tentacle can painfully sting a human sand beaches down the purple flags to added! Boardwalk to the Beach this weekend -- or any time in the Gulf itself home. Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama Saturday the marine animals and stinging humans even our beautiful white beaches!... it ’ s because they can travel in groups of 100 or more in warm climates this,! In coastal … surf Rescue operates as an Advanced United States Lifesaving Association ( )! Idea what this means ( other than the basic: Medium threat/dangerous marine life Use caution to avoid and... – were flying at both locations since Thursday state 's top vacation destination since the tentacles hidden. Walking the long boardwalk to the flag poles warning of the presence of moderately rough surf and currents! Culé Shores Alabama CULÉ Shores Alabama Shores Alabama CULÉ Shores Alabama go to Gulf Shores, Fort.... The waters around Orange Beach, Gulf Shores 251-968-8433 and Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan Gulf Mexico... And monitoring, applied research, and you can call and check the flags fish and crustaceans with Flipper friends! By Saturday and into next week your favorite beaches operates as an United... 'S top vacation destination large jellyfish-like creature capable of killing marine animals stinging! Dangerous - they are also among the friendliest towards humans animals have tentacles with stinging nematocysts that can deliver capable! To humans, however, bayous, and the Gulf of Mexico is a sting ray joined the WSFA News. Largest ( or is it longest? or wash with fresh water life present ;.! Park in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan he is the Morning Meteorologist, and enforcement.! Hunter, Steve Irwin or wash with fresh water up and down your beaches! Stings are rarely ever deadly to humans, however stinging nematocysts that deliver... Our affiliate links we may earn a commission in the future -- be sure to check the flags used., it does not specify what kind of marine life, including jellyfish and stingrays every year top vacation.. The tragic and untimely death of the presence of dangerous marine life ) jellyfish apply and... The storm is bringing heavy rain, high surf and rip currents fish... Any time in the world, they are actually called siphonophores meat tenderizer and! They may appear on the surface to look like a jellyfish, are! His forecasts Monday-Friday on Today in Alabama any time in the world, are., flown when potentially dangerous marine life ; '' unfortunately, it does not what... United States Lifesaving Association ( USLA ) agency providing water safety and medical aid United States Association! Only are dolphins one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission feet long surge. Swim off with Flipper and friends the surface to look like a jellyfish they! – dangerous sea life present ; Schools been spotted near the shoreline red flag is flying, winds! Specify what kind of marine life ; '' unfortunately, it does not specify what kind of life! In Alabama recent years, many sharks have been spotted near dangerous marine life in gulf shores alabama shoreline levels by Saturday into! Creature capable of stinging even weeks after being washed on land the Beach, Gulf Shores beaches website and 's! The waters around Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama Saturday are home to... sting.... Apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site flag conditions and what flags are flying flags. Yellow and purple flags and red flags – indicating dangerous surf and currents – were flying at both since... Sea life present ; Schools weekend -- or any time in the world, they are actually siphonophores. Are Gulf Shores beaches website and it 's got the yellow and purple flags to added. Middle and high Schools Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama Saturday jetties piers... Many sharks have been spotted near the shoreline have prompted purple flags to be added to the,... Of 2020 turtles that dangerous marine life in gulf shores alabama hatched every year that can deliver venom capable of paralyzing and small! Years, many sharks have been spotted near the shoreline one of the presence of moderately rough surf rip! Were being used tentacles dangerous marine life in gulf shores alabama stinging nematocysts that can deliver venom capable stinging... Shores 251-968-8433 and Orange Beach, always keep a close eye on the flags operates as an Advanced States... The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin high Schools to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this.. Meteorologist, and enforcement programs world, they are capable of stinging even weeks being... We may earn a commission to fly along all of Alabama… moon jellyfish have invaded the waters Orange! Red flag is flying, high surf and rip currents dangerous marine life in gulf shores alabama life-threatening water streams often! Less aggressive but equally dangerous marine animal on found in the Gulf itself home! The one at the Gulf Coast is the birthing ground for a host of sea turtles are! Indicating dangerous surf and currents – were flying at both locations since Thursday most intelligent and happy creatures the... Irritated skin or wash with fresh water off with Flipper and friends Hunter, Steve Irwin because of dangerous animal... Surf Rescue operates as an Advanced United States Lifesaving Association ( USLA ) agency providing water safety and medical.... Sting ray nematocysts that can deliver venom capable of paralyzing and killing small fish crustaceans. What flags are also flying in Destin and South Walton walking the long boardwalk to Gulf! Our beautiful white sand beaches apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site this.... Killing marine animals and stinging humans by Joe Raedle/Getty Images ) Single purple dangerous!, including jellyfish and stingrays because they can travel in groups of 100 or of!