Beach Information

  • Swimming in the Gulf is much different than swimming in a pool. It is important to respect the strength of the sea and the marine life that lives there.

    ALWAYS check surf and weather conditions before heading to the beach and observe beach flags. Never swim alone. Always stay in groups. Don’t wander too far from shore.
    Don’t swim near piers, pilings, and platforms. Exercise caution when swimming in areas between sandbars or near steep drop-offs.

    Do not swim in areas being used by fishermen. Avoid swimming in areas where schools of fish are present. Diving seabirds are good indicators of areas to avoid.
    Alcohol and swimming do not mix.
    Use extra caution when water is murky. Avoid being in the water during dusk, nighttime, or twilight hours.

    Avoid wearing shiny jewelry and clothing.
    Stay informed of local weather and beach conditions.

    https://www.gulfshores.com/beach-water-activities/beaches/beach-flag-warning-system

  • Check out Beach Rules and Regulations for your safety. Please pay close attention to what flags mean. No swimming is allowed when a Red Flag is present.

    https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1964/LOF-extracopy?bidId=

  • Beach Chairs and Umbrellas are available for rent at our resort. You can book online or just walk down to the beach to book. To book online make sure you select Plantation East for the property (this is very important). Rentals are available from March - October

    https://suncoast.ensadi.com/chair-rentals/

  • Keep you and your family safe by understanding rip currents and how to spot them. Here is a helpful video for you to watch. (I highly encourage you to watch it and share with your group).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdyzhHNUreY

  • Please pay close attention while swimming in the gulf. Jelly Fish do live in our waters. If you are stung by a jelly fish. Do not panic and follow the steps below.

    1. Get Out of the Water

    2. Stop the Stinging

    • Rinse the area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds.

    • Remove tentacles with a pair of tweezers.

    • After you remove the tentacles, soak the affected area in hot water (104-113 F or 40-45 C) for at least 20 minutes. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the water is hot but not scalding. A hot shower is OK if that’s easier than soaking. Stay in the water for 20 to 45 minutes.

    • These treatments are based on research done in the Indo-Pacific areas and may not work for all stings.

    3. Treat Discomfort

    4. Follow Up

    For less severe stings:

    • Use ice packs or over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines for welts.

    • Clean open sores three times a day and apply antibiotic ointment. Bandage if needed.

    Call 911 if:

    • The person displays signs of a severe allergic reaction

    • The sting is from a box jellyfish.

    • The sting covers more than half an arm or leg.

    https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/jellyfish-stings-treatment

  • Please remember that May 1-October 31st is Sea Turtle Nesting Season.

    Sea turtles live in a variety of habitats, and these can change over time for many reasons including their life cycle stage, weather, and human interaction. Their diverse habitats include:

    • Beaches: female sea turtles lay eggs in nests on sandy beaches. After incubating for about 2 months, the eggs hatch and baby turtles make their way to the ocean

    • Open ocean: juveniles grow up in rafts of sargassum seaweed which provide food

    • Coastal waters: loggerheads, Kemp’s ridleys, and green sea turtles feed in estuaries and other shallow coastal waters

    • Reefs: loggerheads rely on deep offshore reefs for food

    If you encounter a sea turtle, be sure to admire from a distance of at least 50 yards as recommended by NOAA’s viewing guidelines: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/marine-life-viewing-guidelines?fbclid=IwAR1JVBu7Iasc9mAGzKQ_v-6eXQEJ3VpVWyRkK5T8rmR8dny4LofCo5ZwbU0

    Please report nesting, injured or deceased sea turtles using the Alabama Sea Turtle Hotline:

    1-866-SEA TURT (1-866-732-8878)

    Alabama Marine Resource Division: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid034WpTk4agrDBMLjewMrPo6oRENBxnV9GaE7oLPeSYMmMTfkojNBrkwDJfWuxhZi5El&id=10006475794435

    Three species of sea turtles nest on Alabama's Gulf Coast: Loggerhead, Kemp's Ridley, and Green sea turtles. Our most common nesting sea turtle here in Gulf Shores is the Loggerhead. At night, female Loggerheads will emerge from the Gulf to lay about 120 eggs in their nest and then return to the water. Baby sea turtles grow inside these eggs, and once they are all ready, they hatch and crawl out of their nest together. Just like their mama, Loggerhead turtles prefer nighttime, so they leave their nest, follow the light reflecting off the water from the moon, and crawl towards the Gulf in the dark. It is important we help protect these sea turtles by doing the following:

    Avoid using flashlights or flash photography on the beach at night. If you do use a light at night, please use red filter lights.

    Turn off outside patio lights and shield indoor lights from shining onto the beach at night. Do not disturb sea turtle nests.
    Keep your distance (at least 30 feet) from adult turtles that come onto the beach to nest. Leave sea turtle tracks undisturbed.

    Leave Only Footprints! Do not leave beach gear, holes, or trash on the beach.

    For more information, visit https://www.joinacf.org/stb? fbclid=IwAR1I2OaNXV8nSDM3FoJuD8kB2HYdb2UNGtQcYuc5kyY2- 8GnKXd4PvSZwDQ.

    City of Gulf Shores - Municipal Government: https://m.facebook.com/story.php? story_fbid=pfbid0NjYC8kqQTYHXv2xRCsy2C76MMWUgF3GNKuLpx8BSLhpMAnTpmz vw9prEVRv5Qd1el&id=100064672842098&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=RUbZ1f