What Oil Spill? Obama and Daughter Take a Symbolic Dip in the Gulf

President Barack Obama has been telling people for quite awhile that the majority of the beaches along the Gulf Coast are perfectly safe for vacationing and swimming. But this weekend, he and daughter Sasha did one better — they showed 'em.

On Saturday, the president and First Daughter took a highly symbolic dip at Alligator Point in Panama City Beach, Fla. Looking perfectly relaxed and happy riding the waves, the father-daughter duo sent a powerful message they hope will kick-start tourism in the area, which has been crippled since the BP oil spill.

According to the Associated Press, before the First Family family left for the trip — which included First Lady Michelle Obama but not daughter Malia, who is away at camp — the president told reporters its purpose was to "enjoy the beach and the water — to let our fellow Americans know that they should come on down here."

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist put an even finer point on the highly public weekend vacation: "It's the biggest single commerical you could ever imagine."

Like any vacation family, albeit one with a Secret Service detail in tow, the family arrived at a beachfront hotel and spent part of the day on an outdoor deck relaxing and enjoying fare including fish tacos, chicken tenders and burgers.

In all, they spent 27 hours in the suffering region, and before the family fun the president took part in a meeting to discuss the impact of the spill and recovery efforts with Gov. Crist and local officials. Overall, he reaffirmed his commitment to making sure BP responds promptly to embattled residents who have submitted claims to the oil giant, as well as making sure the environmental cleanup goes smoothly.

As he explained, his administration will "keep up our efforts until the environment is cleaned, polluters are held accountable, businesses and communities are made whole, and the people of the Gulf Coast are back on their feet."

There's no telling how much a simple swim with his daughter could boost a region desperately hoping things begin to go swimmingly.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, USN via Wikimedia Commons.