Surf & Safety 2010

Corolla Lifeguards are training hard to get ready for the season and starting Memorial Day, will be manning stands and patrolling the beaches daily by 9:30 a.m. Although we make hundreds of safety advisories every day, Corolla Coast Watch is meant as an additional source of information for the public about water conditions. A few minutes of preparation can make all the difference to ensure you have the most fun, while staying safe. Any water entry before guards are on-duty puts you at a much higher risk of getting in trouble, so we don’t advise any visitors playing in the waves yet unless you are very experienced…the water is too cold anyway! For now, here are a few general guidelines to plan for beach days after Memorial Day:

1.  Always read the lifeguard’s advisory board. Each stand has a chalkboard that outlines the water temperature, high and low tides, surf conditions, and any other information the lifeguard feels is important to know that day.
2. Talk with your lifeguard! Corolla Ocean Rescue’s main focus is on preventing accidents from happening, and we know the best way to do that is to keep the public informed. Ask the lifeguard if there are any dangerous spots you should avoid, what the conditions are like, and any other questions you have. All of our guards are skilled professionals with plenty of knowledge to offer that will help keep you out of harm's way.
3. If you get caught in a rip current, DON'T PANIC and SWIM PARALLEL TO SHORE!
4. If you see someone in trouble and cannot find a lifeguard, CALL 911.
   
5.  ALWAYS SWIM NEAR A LIFEGUARD!