What the Mountain Brook and Birmingham Beach Catastrophes Can Teach Us

Last month in Panama City beach, three young men in their 20s from Birmingham, Alabama drowned in a rip current. Equally heartbreaking was the unprovoked shark attack on two teenage girls from Mountain Brook, a suburb of Birmingham. These tragedies could have gone unperturbed if only there were precautions beforehand. So, what can we learn from these incidents?

The Birmingham and Beach Connection

Historically, Birmingham shares a unique relationship with the beach towns of the Gulf of Mexico. According to historian Harvey H. Jackson III, this bond began after World War II when several beachside communities grew their prominence. He recounts that in Laguna Beach, so many cottages and vacation homes belonged to Alabamians, prompting one barkeeper to name his establishment the Little B’ham.

As for Robert Davis, a renowned architect and Birmingham native, cherished memories from his childhood spent wandering the beach influenced him to develop iconic coastal community areas like Seaside, alongside his wife in the early ’80s. Similarly, Birmingham is also the birthplace of the lush magazine Coastal Living, proof of this city’s reminiscence and adoration for coastal life.

The Need for Beach Safety Precautions

These deep connections explain why tragedies like the recent ones affect the people of Birmingham so deeply. As residents continue to frequent their cherished beach towns, the need for taking precautions cannot be overstated.

1. Awareness of Rip Currents

Rip currents pose significant dangers, being capable of pulling even strong swimmers off shore. This peril makes it imperative for visitors to check the National Weather Service for daily rip current warnings before heading out for a swim.

2. Plan for Non-Ocean Swimming Days

Unpredictable as coastal weather might be, it is essential for families to prepare for non-swimming days due to rip current, wildlife or heat warnings. Activities like picnics, bird watching, and shore games can replace the usual beach pastime.

3. Learn About Coastal Wildlife

Coastal wildlife is abundant and includes creatures from yellow flies, snakes, and alligators to stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks. It is crucial for beach-goers to be aware of their habitats, understand how to avoid encounters, and know what to do in case of any incidents.

Birmingham residents have formed a deep-rooted relationship with the coastal towns of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s time that this bond gets some grounding by infusing it with informed safety practices, making each beach visit risk-free and enjoyable.

About the Authors

Jennifer L. Greer is a freelance journalist and retired university instructor based in Birmingham. David Sher has played a significant role in developing ComebackTown and has chaired multiple business organizations within Birmingham.