Ocean Safety

Spending a day at the beach can be relaxing and fun, but it’s essential to stay vigilant around the ocean. Understanding its potential hazards and following safety guidelines can prevent accidents and save lives. Here’s a detailed guide to help you enjoy your beach outing safely.

Check Weather and Ocean Conditions

• Always check National Weather Service (NWS) advisories before heading to the beach.
• Forecasts often include warnings for rip currents, high surf, or hazardous conditions.
• Avoid swimming or approaching the water during stormy weather or high surf advisories. Even experienced swimmers can struggle against strong waves.

Understand Ocean Hazards

• Rip Currents: These powerful channels of water flow away from shore and can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. Learn to identify them as areas of choppy, discolored, or foamy water moving seaward.
• Sneaker Waves: These unexpected, larger waves can rush far up the shore, potentially dragging people and objects into the water. Stay back from the water’s edge, especially on rocky coastlines.
• Wet Rocks: Wet rocks at the beach can be extremely slippery and unstable, use caution to avoid slips and falls.
• Marine Wildlife: While encounters are rare, animals like jellyfish, stingrays, seals and even sharks can pose a risk. Observe posted warnings and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Recognize and Avoid Rip Currents

• Know how to spot rip currents and what to do if caught in one.
• Look for a break in the wave pattern, a narrow channel of turbulent water, or a darker area of the ocean. These are signs of a rip current.
• If caught, remain calm and conserve energy. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then angle back toward land. Yelling and waving for help can alert lifeguards or other beach-goers.