Aquatic Safety

Knowledge, Awareness, Prevention

The Santa Cruz State Lifeguard Association is dedicated to promoting ocean safety through education, outreach, and community resources. Our Goal is simple: help everyone enjoy our beautiful coastline safely and responsibly.

Drowning is a largely preventable cause of death. Between 3,500 and 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur in the U.S. each year, many in open water and coastal settings where waves and currents increase risk. From 2000–2025, California lifeguards have rescued more than 1.13 million people and carried out over 60.7 million preventive actions, underscoring the importance of lifeguard supervised beaches.

Please read the tips below to ensure your next trip to the beach is fun, relaxing, and most importantly, safe!

Rip Current Safety

Rip currents are channelized currents of water that flow away from the shore or beach. They exist at all beaches and can sweep even the strongest swimmer off their feet into deep water. Because rip currents pull straight out to sea, they can easily make it difficult for unsuspecting beach goers to make it back to shore which is why they account for over 80% of the rescues performed by ocean lifeguards.

If caught in a rip current, remember to stay calm, swim parallel to the shore to escape the rip current, then swim back to the beach. Check with a lifeguard before entering the water and ask them where they have seen rip currents at that beach. If you see someone struggling in the water, do not try to assist them yourself, immediately call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest open lifeguard tower.

More Beach Safety Tips

Swim Near a Lifeguard

The best thing you can do to ensure your beach visit is a safe one is to always swim near an open lifeguard tower. Over 90% of fatal ocean drownings occur at beaches without a lifeguard.

Have Multiple Exit Plans

Any time you enter the water or recreate at the beach have multiple exit strategies planned with changing tides and conditions in mind. Conditions can easily change, making where you entered the water or walked onto a beach no longer a viable option.

Check In With a Lifeguard

Before you enter the water, ask the lifeguard about current conditions, hazards (rip currents, rocks, marine life), the safest places to enter and exit, and any local rules or flag meanings. Tell them if you have weak swimming skills or if you’re supervising children; they can point out the best spot and give safety advice.

Know the Conditions

Learn to recognize warning signs: posted flags, churning or discolored water, a line of debris, or a gap in breaking waves can indicate a rip current. Check tide and surf reports, watch for changing weather, and avoid swimming at night.

Know Your Abilities

Be honest about your swimming skills and strength. If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow water, where you can touch, or do not enter the water. Avoid swimming alone. Do NOT overestimate your ability to handle surf or currents.

Observe Ocean Conditions

Observe ocean conditions for extended periods of time before deciding to enter the water. Understand that conditions can change drastically in the blink of an eye.

Never Turn Your Back On The Ocean

Keep watch for incoming waves, especially while the tide is rising. Large waves come in sets. While the ocean may appear safe for a long period of time, larger than normal waves will periodically create dangerous conditions.

Keep Children Close

Keep small children within arm's reach in and around the water. Children can easily get knocked down by waves and drowning happens quickly. Having a parent close by can prevent a tragedy.

Stay Off Wet Rocks and Sand

Wet rocks and sand mean water was there recently and waves will reach those spots again. Even if the ocean looks calm, sets of large waves can occur at any time which can sweep unsuspecting beach goers into the water. Take the hint, if the rocks or sand are wet, waves will break there again.