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A day at the beach is a popular way to experience the New Smyrna Beach Area, but ocean conditions can change quickly. Understanding beach warning flags, rip currents, marine life, and changing weather can help visitors make informed decisions before entering the water.
Before heading into the Atlantic, keep these five important ocean safety tips in mind.
1. Understand the Beach Warning Flags
Florida uses a uniform beach warning flag system to help beachgoers understand current surf and water conditions. Check the flags when arriving at the beach and continue to pay attention throughout the day, as conditions can change.
- Double Red: Water closed to the public.
- Red: High hazard. High surf and/or strong currents.
- Yellow: Medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents.
- Green: Low hazard. Calm conditions, but caution is still necessary.
- Purple: Dangerous marine life is present.
A purple flag doesn't necessarily indicate jellyfish specifically; it means potentially dangerous marine life is present, which may include jellyfish, stingrays, or sharks.
Even when a green flag is flying, entering the ocean is never completely risk-free. Beachgoers should remain aware of their surroundings and follow instructions from Volusia County Beach Safety personnel.
2. Do the Stingray Shuffle
Stingrays can rest partially buried in the sand in shallow coastal waters. Although stingrays generally aren't aggressive, they may use the barb on their tail defensively if accidentally stepped on.
Instead of taking large steps when entering shallow water, gently shuffle or slide your feet across the sandy bottom. The movement can alert nearby stingrays and give them an opportunity to move away.
Beachgoers should also avoid intentionally touching, chasing, or disturbing marine wildlife.
3. Know What to Do in a Rip Current
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that move away from shore and can occur at beaches with breaking waves. They can be especially dangerous because swimmers may become exhausted while trying to fight the current.
If caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm and don't fight the current. Trying to swim directly against it can quickly lead to exhaustion.
- Float or tread water. Rip currents pull swimmers away from shore, not underwater.
- If you can, swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. Once free of the current, swim at an angle away from it and toward shore.
- If you can't escape, continue floating or treading water.
- Signal for help if needed. Face the shore, wave your arms, and call out to attract attention.
If someone else is caught in a rip current, alert a lifeguard or call 911 rather than entering the water yourself. If possible, throw the person something that floats.
4. Swim Near a Lifeguard
Whenever possible, choose an area where lifeguards are present.
Lifeguards monitor changing surf conditions and can provide information about hazards before swimmers enter the water. They are also trained to respond to water emergencies.
Before swimming, take a moment to locate the nearest lifeguard and check the current warning flags. Children and inexperienced swimmers should always be closely supervised around the water, even when a lifeguard is nearby.
5. Take Thunder and Lightning Seriously
Florida thunderstorms can develop quickly, particularly during the warmer months. If thunder can be heard, lightning is close enough to pose a danger.
Leave the water and beach immediately and seek shelter inside a substantial enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle. Beach shelters, tents, and open-sided structures do not provide adequate protection from lightning.
Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder before returning to the beach or other outdoor activities.
Enjoy the Beach Safely
Ocean conditions aren't the same every day, so checking conditions should be part of every beach visit. Pay attention to warning flags, swim near lifeguards whenever possible, monitor the weather, and follow instructions from Volusia County Beach Safety personnel.
Before heading to the beach, check current beach conditions and safety information through Visit NSB's Beach Safety guide.
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