SOUTH WALTON, Fla. (WDNews) — South Walton Fire District officials said Wednesday evening they will continue flying double red flags along a five-mile stretch of beach between One Seagrove Place and Gulf Trace following reports of increased shark and marine life activity.
The decision follows a medical call around 11 a.m. Wednesday near Lifeguard Tower 24 in WaterColor, where lifeguards were notified that a person may have been bitten by a shark in shallow water.
According to the fire district, lifeguards and firefighters evaluated a pediatric patient who suffered a superficial wound to the leg. The child did not require ambulance transport.
Officials said the affected section of beach will remain closed to swimmers through the rest of Wednesday as crews continue monitoring conditions.
Since the incident, South Walton Fire District personnel have used enhanced water supervision, jet skis and drones to investigate reports of shark and marine life activity in the area.
“Lifeguards have not identified any additional threats or marine life acting in an aggressive manner since the time of the incident and related first reports in that area,” the agency said.
Outside the closure zone, beaches remain under a single red flag for dangerous surf and rip currents, along with a purple flag indicating an increased presence of marine life.
The localized closure will be reevaluated when lifeguards return to duty Thursday, June 4, at 10 a.m.
Officials reminded beachgoers to swim near lifeguards, pay attention to beach flag warnings and remain cautious of surf hazards, particularly rip currents, which they said continue to pose the greatest risk to swimmers.
The fire district also noted that lifeguards routinely monitor for marine life hazards, including jellyfish, stingrays and sharks, as part of their efforts to keep beach visitors informed and safe.
