Beach Safety Tips

Welcome to Beach Safety
Enjoying the beach is a wonderful experience, but safety always comes first. Before entering the water, it's important to stay informed and prepared. Always ask the lifeguard about safe swimming areas—they are trained to spot hazards like rip currents, inshore holes, and other dangers. Remember, never swim alone, and always stay near an open lifeguard station. If you're at a beach without lifeguards, exercise extra caution and follow all safety guidelines. 
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The following are tips that include obeying beach rules, respecting other visitors, and being aware of natural hazards, you can help ensure a fun and safe day in the sun. Also, explore the linked pages below to learn more about specific hazards like rip currents, sneaker waves, sandbars, and inshore holes, and discover tips on how to stay safe while enjoying the ocean.

Before going into the water, always ask the lifeguard where it is safe. The lifeguard is the beach safety expert and is highly trained in spotting both inshore holes and rip currents.

• Never swim alone
• Always swim near an open lifeguard station
• If you are at a beach where there are no lifeguards, be cautious at all times. Remember swimming in waves is not the same as in a pool or lake. If in doubt-don’t go out! 
• Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water.  
• Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing
• Never dive into shallow water-Remember “feet-first every time”
• Use a leash with a boogie board or surfboard
• Keep at least 100-feet away from piers, jetties, and rocks because permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures. Remember to always obey warning signs
• If you or someone in your group gets lost, tell the nearest lifeguard
• Never throw sand and always fill in holes before you leave the beach
• Respect other beach patrons and remember your beach manners
• Please do-not litter-leave the beach cleaner than you found it! 
• Protect yourself from the sun-use sunscreen, Wear a hat and sunglasses
• Smoking is not allowed on beaches in California. Violation of the "No Smoking at State Parks and Beaches Act", is a fine of $250 for smoking at a state beach or park
• Bicycle paths along the beach are like roads-So always look both ways before crossing​

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Rip Currents/Hazards

Beach Warning Flags

Beach Weather Tips

Beach Safety (Home)

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