Newport Beach Lifeguard Chief

Keeps Ocean Safety Simple & Easy

The beach is one of the best places to relax and unwind. But for so many people, the ocean’s waves, currents, and unseen sea creatures can cause enough anxiety to ruin a perfectly good beach day. Newport Beach’s Lifeguard Battalion Chief Brian O’Rourke shares a few simple tips you can easily adopt to make sure you are smart and safe – and most importantly – comfortable at the beach. 

What to do when you first arrive at the beach…

As you lay out towels and set up beach chairs, it’s also a good idea to check in with the nearby lifeguard. In Newport Beach during the summers, there are lifeguards stationed every four blocks, so it’ll be easy to connect with one. O’Rourke notes that while we have all been taught to “swim near a lifeguard,” a better rule of thumb is to “check in with the lifeguard.” This way, they can give you a specific breakdown of what to watch out for on your particular section of beach. 

“When in doubt, don’t go out”

Due to the ever-changing conditions of the ocean, be sure to “know your limits,” O’Rourke says, before entering the water. If you feel the slightest bit of discomfort at the size of the waves or with your swimming abilities, adopt O’Rourke’s adage: “When in doubt, don’t go out.” And in Newport Beach, there’s plenty else to do outside the water. Play a game of paddle ball, hunt for seashells, or build a sandcastle. You’ll also be surprised at how refreshed you’ll feel by simply dipping a toe or two in the water.

Ocean Safety 101

While most ocean-wary folks are fearful of sharks, places like Newport Beach are hardly ever visited by one. In fact, says O’Rourke, “the number one cause of death at the beach is riptides,” not sharks. So when educating folks on ocean safety, O’Rourke prioritizes strategies for avoiding and getting out of riptides safely.

The key is to not panic. Instead, when you feel like you are getting pulled by a rip tide, don’t fight it. Since rip tides act like rivers that feed out into the ocean, they will eventually stop their flow and you can then swim parallel to the sand before swimming back to the shore. Or, if ever you feel out of control or on the verge of panic, face the shore and wave your arms over your head. A lifeguard will be to you shortly. 

Ocean Safety with Kids

When bringing kids to the beach, it’s important to be aware of the common mistakes many parents can make. We were surprised to learn that the biggest issue lifeguards encounter with vacationing families is lost children. To avoid this, O’Rourke suggests writing the number or letter of the closest lifeguard tower on your child’s hand in case you get separated from them. But best to be with your children at all times.

Avoid falling asleep or becoming distracted by your phone or book – all easy things to do when relaxing at the beach! The other factor to watch out for is children getting too close to the groins – the manmade strips of rock that regularly jut out into the water – and getting swept into these rock structures.

So play it safe and encourage your kids to go no further than waist deep into the water. This will make it much easier for them to maneuver if they need to avoid rocks, waves, or surf boards. 

Newport Beach is in the Top 25 Beaches
in the Country for a Reason

While it’s wise to educate yourself and your loved ones on good ocean practices, the main dynamic you’ll witness at any beach in Newport is folks having fun and enjoying the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Newport Beach draws thousands of families every summer because of its soft sand beaches and tame waves. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who might be timid of the water but wants to better acquaint themselves with it. 

Have more questions about ocean safety? 

O’Rourke encourages the public to call the Newport Beach lifeguard headquarters. He or any lifeguard is more than happy to talk about good ocean practices, because it ultimately creates a deeper love and respect for the beach.

Benjamin M Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters,
70 Newport Pier,
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Phone: (949) 644-3047

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

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