Lifeguard station on South Beach Miami
Creative Commons image, courtesy of Milan Boers (www.flickr.com)

• Always swim near a manned lifeguard tower. Most manned lifeguard stations operate from around 9 to 10 o’clock in the morning until 5 or 6 o’clock in the evening but do check
• Before entering the water, check the lifeguard warning flags and take heed. If in any doubt ask a lifeguard or warden
• Never swim alone, always swim with a buddy
• Do not swim if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs as they could impair your judgement
• Do not over estimate your ability and do not rely on any floatation devices
• Swim parallel to the shore and watch out for rip currents
• Do not dive into shallow breaking waves or unclear water
• Keep clear or rocks, buoys and jetties
• Always watch children closely, even when lifeguards are present. Pay particular attention if you are on a beach which allows vehicles as children are prone to running around without looking where they are going and they have been several tragic accidents in recent years involving children being knocked down by moving vehicles on the beach