Beachgoers enjoyed time in the sand on Pensacola Beach Thursday but stayed out of the water. “It’s definitely rough today. Almost how it looks when there’s a hurricane,” Heather Wasson, who was at the ...

Myrtle Beach operates beach warning flags to alert visitors to potential ocean hazards. Most warnings only advise folks to be cautious, but under double red flags the city bans swimming.

Red flag: High hazard — indicates high surf and/or strong currents. Some beach communities will prohibit swimming and wading, so be sure to check local guidelines. Double red flag: Water is ...