Beaches

From the National Weather Service Tallahassee surf zone forecast. Rip currents cause most lifeguard rescues on these beaches: if you're caught in one, swim parallel to shore, then back in. For a text when Panama City Beach's flags change, text PCBFLAGS to 888777.

Double red flags close the water: going in can bring a fine in Panama City Beach and unincorporated Bay County. No flag flying doesn't mean the water is safe. Flags recorded on 1 day since October 27, 2026: 1 yellow.

The state health department tests the water at 15 beaches here for enterococci, bacteria that point to sewage or animal waste, usually every two weeks. Each dot is one sample, oldest to newest. 2 sites were rated poor at a test in the past six weeks.

A poor result usually brings a resample, then a health advisory if it holds: swimming isn't banned, but people with weak immune systems, young children and anyone with open cuts should stay out. Results take a day or two to come back, so the water today may differ.

No accesses match.

Accesses and drive-on points are from the county's map; wheelchair access is from Panama City Beach's map; parking, restrooms, showers and lifeguards from the state's coastal access survey where it covers that access (blank means not surveyed, not "none"). Driving on the beach needs a county permit.