• A red flag flies at our beach to advise you that no lifeguards are on duty.  
• Never turn your back on the ocean. 
• Never body surf a wave "straight in". Instead, ride at an angle to the shoreline. 
• Study the ocean before you enter it. Note the locations of rocks, breakers, currents and reefs. If in doubt, stay out. 
• Enter the ocean gradually and watchfully. Breakers come in "sets" with spells of calm in between. Don't be caught off guard. 
• Stay off the reefs. The reef is alive with microorganisms that do not survive our steps. Hazards of reef walking include coral cuts, sea urchin spines and eel bites. 
• Duck or dive beneath breaking waves before they reach you. Do not stand in their path. Don't try to swim over them or turn your back to them. 
• Never swim against a strong current. Check the shore to see which way the current is carrying you, then swim across the current, not into it. 
• If in trouble, don't waste all your breath yelling for help. Save some energy to stay afloat. 
• Never swim alone at an unfamiliar beach. Swim at supervised beaches or with other people. Ask beach attendants or experienced swimmers about the safety of a place before you enter the water. 
• Know your limits. Don't let others dare you into the surf if you aren't sure you can handle yourself in it. 

See more ocean safety tips