Florida’s beaches are packed all summer long, and August brings some of the year’s biggest risks along with the crowds. Rip currents, sudden storms, and marine life all pick up this time of year. Here’s what beachgoers need to know to stay safe.
Know the flag system.
Most Florida beaches use a color-coded flag system to signal water conditions. Green means calm, yellow means moderate risk, red means high hazard, and double red means the water is closed to the public. Purple flags warn of dangerous marine life like jellyfish. Always check the flags before heading in, and never ignore a double red.
Watch for rip currents.
Rip currents are one of the biggest causes of drowning at Florida beaches. They’re strong channels of water pulling away from shore, and they can catch even strong swimmers off guard. If you get caught in one, don’t fight it head-on. Swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then swim back in at an angle.
Take lightning seriously.
Florida sees more lightning strikes than almost anywhere else in the country, and afternoon storms build fast in August. If you hear thunder, get off the beach and away from the water right away. Lightning can strike well before or after visible rain, so don’t wait for the storm to actually arrive overhead.
Protect against the sun and heat
Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially after swimming. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks during peak afternoon hours, so drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.
Be aware of marine life
Jellyfish, stingrays, and occasionally sharks are part of Florida’s coastal waters. Shuffling your feet while wading can help avoid stepping directly on a stingray. If stung by a jellyfish, avoid rubbing the area and rinse with vinegar or seawater rather than fresh water.
Supervise kids closely
Drowning can happen silently and quickly, even in shallow water. Keep young children within arm’s reach, and don’t rely on flotation devices as a substitute for direct supervision.
Know who’s responsible if something goes wrong
Most beach injuries come down to accidents or nature. But not always. If a hotel, resort, or beach club fails to post proper warnings, fails to staff lifeguards where they’ve represented they would, or ignores known hazards on their property, that can be a different situation legally. The same goes for injuries caused by another person’s reckless behavior, like a jet ski operator riding too close to swimmers.
If you or someone you know was hurt at a Florida beach this summer due to unsafe conditions or someone else’s negligence, it’s worth having the situation looked at.
