Beach Safety
Beach Safety is Everyone’s Concern
Marine Rescue personnel provide lifeguard coverage along several miles of coastline from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend from the hours of 10:00am until 6:00pm weather permitting.
Rip Currents / Surf
Rip currents are strong, fast-moving, channels of water that move from the shore seaward. Typical flow is 1-2 feet per second and can be as fast as 8 feet per second. The National Weather Service has reported that rip currents are the most deadly weather-related event in Florida claiming over 25 lives each year. In a typical year rip currents are more deadly than hurricanes, lightning, and tornadoes combined.
- How to Recognize, Avoid, and Survive Rip Currents
- Printable Rip Current Tri-fold Brochure (PDF)
- Signs of Rip Currents Poster (PDF)
- Don't Get Sucked in by the Rip.
University of New South Wales award-winning video about rip currents and how to avoid them. Video is on YouTube. St. Johns County is not responsible for the contents of this site.
Sun
A wide spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 will help block most of the harmful UV radiation from sun exposure.
Lifeguards
Marine Rescue lifeguards are stationed along various stretches of the shoreline for your protection. You can help them make your stay a safe and enjoyable one by checking with them on local conditions and by swimming with a buddy in front of a staffed lifeguard tower.
Marine Life
The intertidal zone is home to a variety of sea creatures that have been known to injure the occasional unsuspecting beachgoer. Marine animals such as jelly fish, stingrays, sea urchins, saltwater catfish, algae blooms, barnacles, and of course sharks are among the most feared, despite the relatively low number of injuries. Heeding the advice of lifeguards and other public safety officials will minimize your chances of encountering one of these creatures.
