Tips on Destin Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Destin Warnings and Dangers

Stay safe on your vacation with these safety tips.

Ocean Safety

A riptide,  also called an UNDERTOW, is deadlier than any storm. It can pull the strongest swimmer out to sea. When there is a red flag out, DO NOT go swimming in the ocean. This indicates dangerous swimming conditions. Many area beaches are monitered by lifeguards, but not all. Make sure you swim with a buddy!

If you are caught in a rip tide, DO NOT FIGHT IT. You will quickly tire yourself out. Intead, allow yourself to be caught in the current, and swim sideways to gradually escape it. If you avoid struggling and don’t panic, you’ll be fine.

Prevent Sunburn

Make sure you slather on sunscreen often, especially on your first day out in the sun. Getting a nasty sunburn on Day 1 is a quick way to put a damper on your vacation! Reapply after going in the water, or toweling off. Sunscreen is necessary even on cloudy days – just because the sun is hidden doesn’t mean it can’t burn you.

Tickets

The police are everywhere in Destin and Ft. Walton and are hard to spot since most cops drive SUV/Jeep vehicles. One area in particular that is notorious for the police is downtown Ft. Walton after dark. The area right after Brooks Bridge in Ft. Walton has a very low speed limit (25-35 mph) – BE CAREFUL when driving through it. It’s too easy to cruise up to 45+mph, and then you are at risk for a traffic ticket.

Quite frequently, the police will set up a DUI checkpoint either on Okaloosa Island or in downtown Ft. Walton. They will stop every car, and check for drunk driving. Although cab rides are very expensive, it is cheaper and safer in the long run to take a cab and avoid a potential DUI.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Destin.