It’s always a good idea to review some beach safety tips before heading to the shore. The ocean can be as fun as it is unpredictable. As locals, we understand that some of these tips might not be so obvious to visitors, so why not go over them together before your Anna Maria Island vacation?
1. Pay Attention to Signs and Flags:
- 🚩🚩 Double Red Flags: Beach is closed to swimming.
- 🚩 Single Red Flag: High hazard, high surf, and/or strong currents.
- 🟡 Yellow Flag: Medium hazard, moderate surf, and/or currents.
- 🟢 Green Flag: Low hazard, calm conditions, but exercise caution.
- 🟣 Purple Flag: Presence of dangerous marine life.
2. Lifeguard Coverage: Lifeguards and emergency medical services are available at Coquina Beach, Cortez, Beach, and Manatee Beach daily from 9:00 am to 5:00pm.
3. Swimming Safety:
- Swim only in designated areas marked by USCG SWIM AREA buoys.
- Always swim with a buddy.
- Avoid swimming near piers as they can have permanent rip currents, and the surrounding structures, rocks, and marine life can be dangerous.
4. Tides and Currents:
- Keep an eye on the water and the tides’ direction.
- Rip currents are very common on Gulf of Mexico beaches. Take a few minutes to scan the water and look out for anything unusual.
- Identifying Rip Currents:
- A streak of water that is a different color or looks darker.
- A gap in the breakers.
- A line of foam extending offshore.
- A patch of murky water beyond the sandbar.
- A floating object moving steadily seaward.
- If caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm and do not swim against the current.
- Float on your back and swim parallel to the shoreline.
- Once out of the current, swim to shore.
- If you need help, face the shore, wave your hands, and yell.
Note: Rip currents can occur even on sunny days with calm water.
5. Sun Safety:
- Check the UV Index before heading to the beach.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Reapply every 2 hours, or after you have been in the water.
- Stay hydrated and bring an umbrella for shade.
6. Watch out for sand holes:
- Always supervise children while they dig. The sand should not be deeper than their knees to prevent the risk of them falling or getting trapped, especially in loose sand on dunes where it can collapse easily.
7. Lightning Safety:
- During thunderstorms, lifeguards will use a whistle and display double red flags.
- Seek shelter immediately and wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning to the beach.
8. Trash:
- Dispose of trash in the bins provided near beach entrances.
- Take all your belongings and waste with you.
9. Marine Life Protection:
- Fill in any sand holes to protect nesting sea turtles (May-Oct).
- Avoid disturbing marine life and walking on dunes.
10. Rules and Regulations:
- Alcohol, litter, glass containers, and pets are not allowed on the beaches.
- Campfires are prohibited, but some public beaches offer grills.
Let’s work together to keep our beach safe and clean for everyone! You can go online and check the beach conditions and the latest updates and safety information for Florida beaches, check out this weather resource.
Now that your up to speed on beach safety, check out our vacation rental properties that will keep you close to the shore so you can relax and enjoy your well prepared vacation!
www.IslandReal.com
