Summer in San Diego is a dream for most, evident by the number of visitors that flock to the city’s beaches and seaside towns every year for some sunshine. Cooling off with a swim in the Pacific Ocean is a great way to spend a day at the beach, but visitors should be careful about some of the things that locals can sometimes take for granted. Here are a few tips to make sure your beach trip to San Diego is fun and memorable.

Be aware of the different markers for safe swim and surf zones at the beaches. The lifeguards update the positions of these signal flags daily to indicate where safe swimming areas are located at the beach. If you’re going to be swimming, make sure to stay within the swim zone, as surfers are often unable to see swimmers in the water below.

Keeping track of riptides and currents is also extremely important, especially if you are not used to swimming in the ocean all the time. Pacific ocean currents are quite strong, and even experienced swimmers who are unfamiliar with the direction and strength of regular currents can be overpowered. Always consult with the lifeguards if swimming at unfamiliar beaches, and keep an eye out for riptides, which can form rapidly and can carry swimmers far down-shore.

Also remember sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the sun. Even if it cloudy outside, or you don’t normally get sunburned, the sun in San Diego is extremely powerful. Get out there and enjoy your summer at the beach!

 

Select Language