Beach Hazard Swimming Areas

We want you to have a safe trip to the beach! Please keep in mind that in addition to common surf hazards such as rip currents, there are certain areas that are hazardous. These dangers can become amplified during certain weather and wave conditions. Please take the time to learn and share the information below about these unique beach hazard areas.

Piers & Pilings

Expect a number of swimming dangers near piers and pilings. Rip currents are often found next to these structures along with chaotic waves and other strong currents. The pier supports and pilings are typically covered in sharp barnacles, nails, and fishing gear. Also be aware of holes and other rapid changes to the ocean bottom.

Groins & Revetments

Swimming near groins, revetments, and natural rock outcrop formations can be hazardous. Rip currents are commonly found next to these features and people may become cut by sharp rock edges and barnacles. Wave and current activity can become enhanced in these areas.

Swashes / Creek Drainage

In some areas small creeks and streams end directly into the ocean. These swashes pose multiple threats to swimmers including a high likelihood of elevated bacteria levels, especially after a rain event. The currents in the swashes may become very strong at times and can carve out deep holes as they exit into the ocean catching people off guard.

Jetties & Inlets

Swimming near jetties and inlets can be extremely dangerous and often result in the loss of life to swimmers who encounter intense currents, large waves, and rapid changes to the ocean bottom depth. Tide changes can trap unsuspecting people on sand bars. Additionally, sharp rocks and objects are typical along jetties.

Submerged Structures

Submerged structures may be hard to spot or completely hidden as tide levels change. These features may be rock piles, broken pilings, and other features that are covered in sharp objects, barnacles, nails and fishing gear. Submerged structures may locally enhance the wave height, cause rapid changes to current speed and direction, and may have nearby sharp changes in bathymetry.

References:

NWS Beach Safety

USLA Beach Safety

NWS Rip Current Safety

NWS Beach Forecast Webpage