If you're looking to swim near an open lifeguard tower in Flagler County, your best bet is in Flagler Beach.

The stretch of sand between 9th Street North and 9th Street South is the only area protected by lifeguards.

A few miles to the north, at Old Salt Park, the same dangerous conditions exist.

Glen Clark, visiting from Lexington, Kentucky said it was easy to feel. “It's got some pull to it. By the time you're waist deep it's pulling you out there.”

Allie Olsen was also out in the surf.

She likes the quieter beach here, than the hustle and bustle of Flagler Beach.

And while she considers herself a good swimmer, she'd appreciate some extra eyes on shore.

If not for her, “with all the families with small kids and the rip currents are really bad this year and we just want more lifeguards on board than anything else.”

The county has established a number of beachside parks, adding parking spots and bathrooms.

But when you cross onto the sand, you're on your own.

Looking for an indication of water conditions?

Red flags fly in Flagler Beach, but not at the county beach access points.

Glen Clark tells us that would at least make people think twice about just running into the ocean.

“Something like a flag system that's posted to the access ways would help a whole lot. Maybe, you know, give them a pause,” he said.

Vickie Olsen, who was once a lifeguard in Illinois adds if the state recreation areas on either end of Flagler County can post flags, why can't the county?

“Up there by Washington Oaks they have a flag flying up there. [It] tells us what's going on. But nothing here. It really, really, can be scary,” she said.

A spokesperson for Flagler County tells us there are no current plans to offer lifeguards or a warning flag system outside of those found in Flagler Beach.