Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Beach Conditions Today

Conditions change. Always follow posted flags and lifeguards. Facts on this page were checked against the official sources linked here on Oct 28, 2026. How Shorlo works

In an emergency, call 911.

Today's official flag

Shorlo never gives its own safe-to-swim verdict. Check the official report, which shows the flag with its date:

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach daily report NWS Mobile beach forecast Orange Beach Beach Safety

What the beach flags mean

Yellow: medium hazard
Moderate surf and/or currents.

Red: high hazard
High surf and/or strong currents.

Double red: water closed to the public
It is illegal to enter the Gulf within the corporate limits of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Purple: marine pests present
Exercise caution.

The absence of red flags does not assure safe conditions. Source: www.gulfshores.com

Going soon?

Enter your trip dates and we'll email you a countdown with events, packing tips, and links to the official daily beach report. These emails are not real-time safety alerts; for the daily flag, text ALBEACHES to 888777.

We only use your email for the countdown. Privacy

Rip currents

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water moving quickly away from shore. Signs listed by the official beach report:

Gaps between breaking waves; a small patch of calm water surrounded by waves
Discolored or sandy water flowing away from shore
Areas near sandbars, piers, pilings and jetties

For what to do if you're caught in one, follow the National Weather Service guidance: NWS rip current safety

Source: www.gulfshores.com

Get conditions by text or phone

Text ALBEACHES to 888777 for the daily flag and conditions (text STOP to opt out).
Gulf Shores: 251-968-SURF (7873). Source: www.gulfshoresal.gov
Orange Beach: 251-981-SURF (7873). Source: www.orangebeachal.gov

Weather alerts

Sign up for Baldwin County emergency and weather alerts through AlertBaldwin, run by the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency, or text ALERTBALDWIN to 888777. AlertBaldwin sign-up

Sources: baldwincountyal.gov, www.orangebeachal.gov

FAQ

What do the beach flag colors mean in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?

Yellow means medium hazard (moderate surf and/or currents), red means high hazard, double red means the water is closed to the public, and purple means marine pests are present. Source: gulfshores.com beach flag warning system.

Is it illegal to swim on double red flags?

Yes. Within the corporate city limits of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach it is illegal to enter the Gulf when two red flags are displayed.

How can I get daily beach conditions by text?

Text ALBEACHES to 888777 to receive daily beach conditions and flag status; text STOP to opt out.

Going soon?

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