Many students in Carlsbad will be on spring break next week so it’s a good time to review some essential beach-safety tips. City of Carlsbad lifeguards have created these important reminders to help keep you healthy and safe while you’re enjoying our beautiful beaches. 

Rip currents

Rip currents are extremely dangerous and can lead to drowning or the need for a lifeguard rescue. Rip currents account for more than 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. Before you enter the ocean, check for signs of a rip current:

• Channel of churning, foaming or choppy water
• Different colored water than the surrounding water
• Breaks in incoming waves

If you do find yourself stuck in a rip, you can stay safe by doing this:

• Don’t swim against the rip current - you will exhaust yourself
• Attempt to swim parallel to the shore to get out of the rip current
• If you can’t escape, float on your back or tread water and go with the current
• Stay calm - Rip currents don’t pull you under, they pull you away from shore. Most rip tides generally dissipate within 50 to 100 feet of the shoreline.

How to spot a rip current (video)
How to escape a rip current (video)

Stingrays

Stingrays have long whip-like tails with a barb located on the end that punctures the skin and secretes venom

• Look at the sand as you enter the water
• Do the stingray shuffle! Shuffle your feet as you walk to alert resting stingrays, giving them time to move away 
• Although it may hurt a lot, it’s typically not an emergency. Soak your foot in hot water to soothe the pain and neutralize the venom

How to avoid getting stung (video)

General safety tips

• Never swim alone
• Check-in with lifeguard for current conditions
• Always swim near a lifeguard
• Know your limits. When in doubt, don’t go out
• Watch your kids
• Stay hydrated
• Wear sunscreen

Beach rules

• No glass is allowed on the beach. Broken glass can quickly ruin someone’s day
• Campfires and BBQ’s that use wood or charcoal are not allowed
• Dogs are not allowed on the beach
• Have a good and safe time

More information
Beach safety webpage