Beach Hazards

Plan your summer beach trip with these 10 Safety Tips in mind.

Before

During

After

Check the local weather forecast, UV index, and tides.
Click HERE to see conditions at each Fernandina Beach access point.
Text BCHSAFE to 888777 to get daily updates on Fernandina Beach surf conditions.
Get familiar with Florida's Beach Flag Warning Program.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and what to do about them.
Swimming in the ocean is much different than in a pool. Understand the dangers of different types of East Coast waves.
Rip currents are common in Florida and claim more lives each year than lightning or hurricanes. Know what to do if you get caught in one.
Educate yourself about the things that sting and wildlife in and out of the water.
Realize that saltwater crocodiles and alligators like the beach, too.
Learn how to reduce your chance of getting bitten by any of the many shark species that live in area waters.

Use dune walkovers to protect yourself, the beach, and wildlife.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Take steps toward sun safety. Water and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen. Beach breezes and getting wet will cool the skin, which can keep you from realizing you're getting sunburned. Re-apply sunscreen frequently to protect from harmful UV rays.
Read and obey posted Beach Signs and Flags. Not all beaches have flags posted - the absence of flags does not indicate safe waters.
Watch wildlife from a distance for your safety and theirs. When in the water, shuffle your feet to scare off rays and crabs.
If you enter the water, stay within sight of lifeguards and keep an eye out for Rip Currents.
Designate a "water watcher" to keep on eye on people in the water.
Watch for changes in the weather, which can happen suddenly.

Leave no trace. Fill up any holes, pick up all of your beach supplies, and take all of your trash with you when you leave.
Drink extra water for a day to replace fluids lost to the sun and sea breeze.
Symptoms of sunburn don't appear for 3-5 hours after exposure. Sunburn first aid doesn't heal your skin, but it can ease pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Watch for signs of respiratory distress (i.e. trouble breathing, coughing, chest pain, lethargy, lips turning blue) in children or pets that may have aspirated (inhaled water) during the day.
Several species of protected sea turtles nest on Amelia Island. Don't use flashlights on the beach at night and keep "Lights Out" to prevent their disorientation.