Beach Safety Checklist for Families

Swim near a lifeguard: the chance of drowning at a beach with lifeguards is 1 in 18 million, says the U.S. Lifesaving Association, as quoted by the National Weather Service (opens in a new tab). Tick these off at every beach.

When you arrive

• Swim only in a lifeguarded area. Ask the lifeguard about today's conditions.
• Read the flag sign at the entrance. No flag does not mean the water is safe.
• Look for rip currents: darker water, a gap where waves aren't breaking, foam moving out.
• Stay at least 100 feet from piers and jetties. Enter feet first; never dive into surf.
• Name a Water Watcher for the kids. Phones away while you watch.

If a rip current pulls you

• Relax and float. Don't swim against it. Swim along the shore, then back in.
• Can't get out? Keep floating or treading water, and yell and wave for help.

If someone else is in trouble

• Get a lifeguard or call 911. Throw something that floats. Don't go in.

What you can do today: learn the flags with what each beach flag color means and practice with Rip current trainer.