Confusion over swimming rules in Gulf of Mexico off Ala. as tar balls wash up from oil spill

Spill causes confusion over swimming rules in Ala.

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is causing confusion over whether it’s OK to swim on Alabama beaches.

In Orange Beach, two red flags flew Saturday and beach patrols told people to stay out of Gulf waters. Some of the city was hit with a new wave of crude and tar balls during the morning.

A few miles away, though, people were in the water at Gulf Shores, where only yellow warning flags were flying.

The state has issued advisories telling people to stay out of Gulf waters because of oil, and Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft says his city tells visitors to stay out of the water when tar balls are present.

Craft says city officials are consulting with state health officials about water conditions.