San Diego Beach Safety Info
General Beach Safety Information
The rules listed come from San Diego’s Lifeguard Service and apply to San Diego city beaches but may differ at beaches outside of the San Diego city limits. Each local beach has their own set of regulations and rules that will cover alcohol, pets, off-limit areas (due to pollution or other reasons) and locally-specific regulations. Visit the lifeguard headquarters at the beach to obtain specific rules for that particular beach if you have questions.
This information is provided as a service to visitors but the user assumes full responsibility for his or her own beach safety.
Beach Safety Guidelines
1) Learn to swim
2) Never swim alone
3) Supervise children closely, even if lifeguard is present
4) Swim near a lifeguard
5) If you get caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free (don’t swim against the current’s pull)
6) Don’t rely on flotations devices, like rafts as they may get lose in the water
7) Alcohol and swimming don’t mix
Protect your head, neck and spine (don’t dive into unfamiliar waters) – go feet first, first time.
9) Call or wave for help, if you are in trouble
10) No glass containers at the beach. Bare feet and broken glass don’t mix
11) Stay clear of coastal bluffs, they can collapse and hurt you
12) No beach fires except in designated areas. Fire residue and superheated sand can severely burn bare feet.
13) Never turn your back to the ocean. You may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas and into water by waves that come without warning.
Partial List of Laws for City of San Diego Beach, Park & Water Areas
Laws are subject to change without notice. If you have any questions, check posted signs or ask a lifeguard. If you need more information pertaining to boating on Mission Bay or Pacific Ocean, refer to boating regulations.
Dogs – Dogs are permitted on beaches and adjacent parks from 6pm and 9am ONLY and must be leased at all times. Dogs are prohibited at other hours of the day, except at Dog Beach (adjacent to Ocean Beach) and Fiesta Island (in Mission Bay) where dogs are permitted 24 hours a day unleashed. You must clean up after your pet in all beach areas.
Beach Fires – Fires are permitted only in fire containers provided by the City or personal barbecues elevated off the ground. Coals must be removed or deposited in hot coal containers.
Glass Containers – Glass containers are prohibited if used to carry liquid for drinking purposes.
Alcohol – Adults may consume alcohol on many San Diego Beaches from noon to 8pm, as long as it is not in a glass container. Alcohol is prohibited at all times in parking lots adjacent to beaches and beach parks. In most of Mission Bay Park, alcohol consumption is permitted in both the grassy park areas and on beaches from noon to 8pm. There are a few San Diego beaches that prohibit alcohol consumption at all times. These areas include: La Jolla Shores beach and adjacent Kellogg Park, Marine Street Beach,the Clam in La Jolla, and Santa Clara Point in Mission Bay Park. See individual beach information pages for specifics.
Water Use Areas – Water areas off the major beaches are divided into swimming and surfing zones to separate users. A black and yellow checker flag will normally be posted between the zones. Check signs or ask lifeguard for the proper zone for your activity.
Overnight Camping – Overnight camping and sleeping are prohibited.
Unsafe Behavior – Regardless of the beach area, it is unlawful to use any water recreational device (boat, surfboard, etc.) in a manner that endangers others.
Cliff Jumping – Jumping from cliffs or other heights higher than 5 feet into the Pacific Ocean is prohibited.
Lifeguard Directions – It is a misdemeanor to fail to follow the lawful order of a lifeguard or to provide false information to a lifeguard.
Boardwalk Speed Regulations – On the Mission Beach/Pacific Beach boardwalk, the maximum speed limit is 8mph.
Injuring a Lifeguard – Any person who intentionally injures a lifeguard in the State of California may be convicted of felony battery.
Special Information About Rip Currents
A rip current is a seaward-moving current that circulates water back to the sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Each wave accumulates water on shore, creating seaweed 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 also occur in areas where the strength of the waves is weakened by objects such as jetties, piers, natural reefs, and even large groups of bathers. Rip currents often look like muddy rivers flowing away from shore. They are sometimes mistakenly called “rip tides” or “undertows”. Rip currents are not directly associated with tides and they do not pull people under. Try to avoid swimming where are rip currents are present. If you get caught in 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.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Rip currents often occur alongside fixed objects in the water, so be aware of ocean conditions.
