Beach Safety

Emily Fay

March 6, 2026

Here’s how to be safe and prepared as you go on your beach vacations this spring.

Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, channelized currents of water moving away from shore. They usually form at breaks in a sandbar, or near structures such as jetties and piers. These are common on all beaches and are very dangerous because they can pull swimmers away from shore. Even the strongest swimmers can’t outswim a rip current.

It’s important to swim at beaches with lifeguards on duty, swim near them, and never swim alone.

If you get caught in a rip current, it’s very important that you do not swim against the current. The key to escaping is to swim out in a sideways direction, following the shoreline. Once you are out of the current, swim back to shore at an angle. If you still can’t reach shore, call or wave to a lifeguard for help.

Excessive Heat

As the spring season rolls around, beaches will begin to be exposed to excessive heat, putting beachgoers at risk for experiencing heat-related illnesses. This includes heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat syncope, among other things.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer cool itself down, causing body temperature to reach 106 degrees or higher within 10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can also cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and death if not treated.

It’s important with all heat-related illnesses to seek proper medical assistance. Call 911 if symptoms become life-threatening and stay in cool, shaded areas to lower body temperature.

High Surf

“High surf” is used by the NWS to describe waves much larger than normal in the surf zone, typically with enough energy to move large objects such as logs and rocks. These conditions can be dangerous as they can knock people over and into the pull of rough currents, resulting in drownings.

Stay dry when the waves are high! Crashing waves are fun to look at, but their power can slam you into the ocean floor. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your distance from large waves.

Article by: Drew Johnson