Marine Weather
Beach Weather Safety Guide: Rip Currents, Lightning, Heat, UV, and Water Quality
How to check beach weather for rip currents, lightning, heat, UV, water quality, wind, waves, and sudden storms.
Quick answer: Beach weather safety is more than sunshine. Rip currents, lightning, heat, UV, wind, waves, and water quality can all change the risk.
Before going
Check rip current risk, surf forecast, lightning forecast, UV index, heat index, and any beach advisories.
A sunny day can still have dangerous water due to distant storms or strong swell.
At the beach
Swim near lifeguards, leave water when thunder is heard, and use shade and sunscreen.
Watch children closely because waves and currents change quickly.
When to leave
Dark clouds, thunder, increasing wind, or posted warnings are reasons to leave early.
Do not shelter from lightning under beach umbrellas or open pavilions.