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BEACH SAFETY

Know Before You Go

Port Aransas is the quintessential island destination with wide, sandy beaches and warm water that begs for a swim. Before you do that, however, it's key to know best practices for keeping you and your family safe on your next beach day. This includes knowing about beach surf rescue, rip currents, the beach flag warning system, and more.

United States Lifesaving Association's Top Ten Beach and Water Safety Tips:
  1. Swim near a lifeguard
  2. Learn to swim
  3. Learn rip current safety
  4. Never swim alone
  5. Designate a water watcher
  6. Alcohol and water don't mix
  7. Feet first water entry
  8. Life jackets save lives
  9. Observe signs and flags
  10. Beat the heat and block the sun

Additionally, if you are on the beach with children, keep a close eye at all times. It's best practice to take a photo of the child with what they are wearing for the day in case of emergency. 

To ensure maximum safety of guests and preservation of the beach environment in Port Aransas, there are also a set of beach rules

Lifeguards are stationed at surf rescue towers at Marker E, F, 0, 3, 6, and 9. Surf rescue maintains watch daily during spring break and between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Watches are Thursday through Sunday from Labor Day to Halloween and from spring break to Memorial Day. Guards provide watch from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rip currents are highly hazardous to swimmers, so before you get your feet wet, watch this video to learn to identify, avoid, and escape them.

The flag system is designed to notify visitors of current water conditions and to advise regarding swimming safety. Flags are displayed at access roads.

If you're stung by a Man o' War or a jellyfish, rinse with a concentrated vinegar solution before soaking the area in hot water for 45 minutes.

Do the stingray shuffle! Stingrays will only attack if threatened. To avoid being stung, shuffle your feet when you walk in the surf or shallow bays where they live.