BEACH AWARENESS
GSSA Council Own Badge
The Gulf Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, right in our own backyard! Have fun, be safe and learn about protecting our beautiful Gulf Coast beaches by earning this badge. Complete the following five steps by doing one activity from each step.
STEP 1 BE SAFE!
BEACH WARNING FLAGS
Learn about Beach Warning Flags. What does each flag mean?
Double Red Flag
Single Red Flag
Yellow Flag
Green Flag
Purple Flag
WATER SAFETY
Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy.
Girl Scout groups must have a certified lifeguard present when swimming.
Swim within the designated areas. Don’t swim near pilings, piers or platforms. Be cautious in
areas between sandbars or near steep drop-offs.
Do not swim in areas being used by fishermen. Avoid swimming areas where schools of fish are
present.
Beware of rip currents and undertows. Learn about rip currents and what to do if you are
caught in a rip current.
SUN SAFETY
Drink plenty of water.
Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
Don’t stay out too long - use a beach umbrella or tent to get out of the sun.
Find out the UV index for the day and learn about the dangers of UV Radiation.
STEP 2 HAVE FUN!
SAND FUN
Build a sand castle.
Lie on the beach and have a friend cover your legs with sand in the shape of a mermaid tail.
Take a picture of you as a mermaid!
Be sure to fill any holes you make so others don’t trip.
BEACH FUN
Take a walk on the beach and collect seashells.
Fly a kite.
Play a game of beach volleyball.
Throw a Frisbee with a friend.
WATER FUN
Swim!
Wade in the surf and look for sea creatures.
Float on a raft or tube.
STEP 3 LEARN ABOUT WILDLIFE
GULF COAST ANIMALS
Observe wildlife at the beach and make a list of what you see. Learn which animals may be endangered or protected at Gulf Coast beaches.
ALABAMA SEA TURTLES
Learn how to share the beach with turtles and how you can help protect them. Learn about Alabama Sea Turtles by visiting http://www.alabamaseaturtles.com/
SEA OATS
Learn why sea oats and other dune plants are vital to the dune ecosystem.
STEP 4 PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
LEAVE NO TRACE
Take your trash with you when you leave. Don’t forget your chairs, pails, umbrellas, and towels. Leave the beach better than you found it!
COASTAL CLEAN-UP
Participate in Coastal Clean-up or have a mini-cleanup with your group.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Research environmental issues that can affect the local beaches. For example oil rigs, building
construction, and tourism.
STEP 5 WATCH THE WEATHER!
LIGHTNING
Lightning at the beach can be deadly! Learn what to do if a thunderstorm or lightning is near.
WATERSPOUT
What is a waterspout? How is it different from a tornado?
CLOUDS
What different kinds of clouds do you see? Take a photo or draw a picture of a cloud at the beach. Clouds change to vivid colors at sunset, making it the perfect time to capture their beauty.