Beach Safety

and Regulations

Most accidents at the beach can be avoided by having a knowledge of the beach and water. The following are some safety tips that should be followed at all beaches:

  • Learn to swim.
  • Swim in guarded areas only.
  • Don't rely on flotation devices like boogie boards or rafts since they may get away from you.
  • Follow the instructions given by all lifeguards.
  • If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until you are out of the rip and then swim in.
  • Do not mix alcohol and swimming.
  • Glass containers should not be brought to the beach, bring plastic or aluminum.
  • Ocean bottoms are constantly changing with the tides, do not run and dive into unfamiliar waters, broken necks may result.
  • Watch all young children carefully, always let them know the stand number closet to where you are sitting.

The following Sandy Hook Beach Regulations are strictly enforced:

  • Balls or Frisbees are not allowed in the water.
  • No fires, charcoal or gas gills are permitted on the beach or parking areas.
  • Glass container are prohibited.
  • No kite flying in the guarded areas or near bird nesting areas.
  • No pets are allowed on the ocean side between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
  • Canvas surfmats and boogie boards are the only approved flotation and only at C,D,E. There is no flotation at Gunnison or North Beach.
  • Flotation is not permitted in the unguarded areas.
  • No snorkels.
  • No metal detectors.
  • All visitors shall obey the signs, signals and directions of the lifeguards.
  • Surfing is permitted only in lot "C". Windsurfing is only permitted on the bay side across from lot"C".
  • All scuba divers must sign in at the Ranger Station and are not permitted to dive in the guarded area.
  • All ordinance which is recovered must be reported immediately to the lifeguard. Do not pick up or touch any ordinance.
  • The digging of deep holes on the beach area is forbidden.
  • Swimming is not permitted outside of the guarded area at North Beach nor the area north of Gunnison Beach.
  • Swimming in front of bird nesting areas is prohibited.
  • Boats are not permitted inside the buoys nor can they land anywhere on the ocean side.
  • Swimming in from boats is strictly forbidden.