Rip Current Statement Issued: Dangerous Conditions for South Walton, Coastal Bay Beaches
A Rip Current Statement has been issued for South Walton and Coastal Bay beaches, effective from Thursday, October 1, at 3:30 AM EDT until Saturday, October 3, at 8:00 AM EDT, with dangerous conditions expected from 1 PM CDT today due to surf heights up to 3 feet.
Beachgoers in South Walton and Coastal Bay counties are advised that a Rip Current Statement has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tallahassee, FL. Dangerous rip currents are expected to develop, posing a significant risk to swimmers.
This statement is effective from Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 3:30 AM EDT and will remain in effect until Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM EDT. Specifically, dangerous rip currents are anticipated from 1 PM CDT this afternoon, October 1, through Saturday morning, October 3.
The affected areas include all beaches in Walton and Bay Counties. Forecast surf heights of up to 3 feet are contributing to this high rip current risk along the Panhandle beaches.
The NWS warns that rip currents can swiftly carry even strong swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
If you plan to visit the beach, swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, the NWS advises to relax and float. Do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction parallel to the shoreline. If you cannot escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
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