Beach Safety

When visiting the scenic Oregon cost and participating in recreational activities, safety should be a concern.

Tragic water accidents happen quickly The most common reason for aquatic mishaps is a
lack of safety knowledge.

Beach Safety

I recommend the following safety tips;

• Never swim alone.

• Supervise children closely.

• Always tell someone eIse when and where you plan to enter the ocean, whether to surf, swim,
skim or boogey board or to take part in any other ocean or beach-related activities.

• Always remember the ocean in this area is normally 55 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. it is good
idea to use a wetsuit or other protective gear when swimming. In these temperatures, it takes
just minutes for hypothermia to set in.

• Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts.

• If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free; parallel to the beach. Don't swim against
the current's pull.

• Alcohol and swimming, surfing, windsurfing or boating don't mix.

• Protect your head, neck and spine. Don't dive into unfamiliar waters.

• If you are in trouble, call or wave for help.

• Follow posted regulations.

• Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances.

• Scuba dive only if trained and certified - and within the limits of your training.

• No glass containers at the beach - broken glass and bare feet don't mix.

• No beach fires except in designated areas.

• Report hazardous conditions.

• Stay clear of coastal bluffs. They can collapse and cause injury.

• Never tum your back to the ocean. You may be swept off coastal bluffs, beaches or tide pool
areas and into the water by "sneaker" waves that can come without warning.

• Do not climb up onto logs on the beach. While they look heavy and sturdy when climbing on them, the smallest wave will roll it over you or a child. Killer logs are real.


• Be aware of sneaker waves, even on the calmest days. Don't turn your back on the ocean and
surf. Avoid "Killer Surf."

•  Have your beach access available to you at all times. Abig wave can come right up to a seawall,
leaving you no path for safety, getting you cold, wet and possibly swimming when you don't want to do any of the three

Don't Touch Seal Pups

A Harbor seal mother often leaves her pup on shoreline rocks or the beach while she feeds in the
sea. The pup isn't stranded, and human activity around it can discourage the female from
returning to feed and care for her pup. California sea lions migrate south to breed for the
summer, stopping to rest on Oregon beaches. In the summer, Elephant seals are in the molting
stage and may look sick. but molting is a natural process.

Seals and sea lions use beaches as a resting spot when feeling tired or ill and should be left alone.
People should not approach them, or try to feed or help them. It's important to keep dogs away
as well. If a marine animal is obviously sick or injured, people can call the OSU Marine
Mammal Stranding Hotline at 541-270-6830.