Crystal Cove State Park

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Visitor Safety

Lifeguard Directions -- It is a misdemeanor to fail to follow the lawful order of a lifeguard or to provide false information to a lifeguard. Injuring a Lifeguard -- Any person who intentionally injures a lifeguard in the State of California may be convicted of felony battery.

Here are some important rules for safety in and around the water:

--Swim near a lifeguard
--Never swim alone
--Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
--Don't rely on floation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water --If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don't swim against the current's pull
--Alcohol and swimming don't mix
--Protect your head, neck, and spine -- don't dive into unfamiliar waters -- feet first, first time
--If you are in trouble, call or wave for help
--No glass containers at the beach -- broken glass and bare feet don't mix
--No beach fires except in designated areas -- fire residue and superheated sand can severely burn bare feet -- use a barbeque that is elevated off the sand
--Stay clear of coastal bluffs, they can collapse and cause injury
--Never turn your back to the ocean -- you may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas and into the water by waves that can come without warning

Water Use Areas -- Water areas off the major beaches are divided into swimming and surfing zones to separate these users. A black and yellow checker flag will normally be posted between zones. Check signs or ask a lifeguard for the proper zone for your activity.
Unsafe Behavior -- Regardless of the area of use, it is unlawful to use any water recreational device (surfboard, boat, etc.) in a manner which endangers others.

A RIP CURRENT is a seaward moving current that circulates water back to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Each wave accumulates water on shore creating seaward pressure. This pressure is released in an area with the least amount of resistance which is usually the deepest point along the ocean floor. Rip currents often look like muddy rivers flowing away from shore. Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called "rip tides" or "undertows." These are misnomers. Rip currents are not directly associated with tides and they do not pull people under. Try to avoid swimming where rip currents are present, but if you become caught in a one, swim parallel to the shore until the pull stops and then swim back to shore. If you are unable to return to the beach, tread water and wave for lifeguard assistance.