Pier, Rock and Jetty Safety

Avoid swimming or surfing near rocks, jetties and piers. They are hard, sharp and can cause dangerous currents!

Always read and obey signs.

Signs exist for a reason. Look for and read all signs when you arrive at the beach.

Ask a lifeguard where to swim at a beach with rocks.

The lifeguards are experts in the area. They know where submerged rocks are, and how those rocks could create dangerous currents you might not recognize.

Always enter the water carefully.

Dangerous rocks can be submerged under the water’s surface. Enter slowly and carefully to avoid cutting your feet, twisting an ankle, or falling.

Never jump or dive from rocks into the water.

You don’t know what is beneath the surface, and different tides can drastically alter the water depth.

Avoid rocks and tidepools that are damp and wet. You might slip or get hit by a wave.

If rocks or tidepools are still damp, that means that waves have recently broken over those rocks.

Know the tides!

When exploring tide pools or walking along a rocky beach, always know the tides! Frequently, people become trapped by walking around points and over rocks only to find that a short time later the tide has come in and that area is now covered in water. Check the tides online, or ask the lifeguard before you explore.