Beautiful Beaches, Safe Swimming: Know Before You Go
Palm Beach County offers some of the most stunning beaches in Florida, with miles of golden sands, swaying palm trees, and the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean. To ensure your beach day is both fun and safe, here are some essential tips and information.
Stay Hydrated
Florida’s sun can be intense, especially during the summer months. To stay hydrated, bring plenty of water with you and drink regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages as they can dehydrate you faster. Look for shaded areas or bring a beach umbrella to minimize direct sun exposure and keep cool.
Here are 10 ways to stay cool at the beach
Collect Trash
Maintaining the pristine beauty of our beaches is everyone’s responsibility. Bring a bag to collect your trash and dispose of it properly. Consider joining beach cleanup events organized by groups like Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful or the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, which hosts self-guided beach cleanups every Saturday morning from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Registration is required and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center will provide all of the necessary materials for your cleanup. Find out more here.
Wear Reef-Safe Sunblock
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial, but it’s equally important to protect our marine environment. Choose reef-safe sunscreens that do not contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Opt for biodegradable, mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sunscreens are safer for marine life and help preserve our coral reefs.
Know Beach Safety Flags
Beach safety flags are vital indicators of ocean conditions. Here is what their colors mean:
- Double Red: Water closed to public use
- Red: High hazard, such as strong surf and currents
- Yellow: Medium hazard, light surf and currents
- Green: Low hazard, calm conditions
- Purple: Marine pests like jellyfish and stingrays
Always check the flags before entering the water and heed any warnings.
Watch Out for Sea Turtle Nests
From May to October, Palm Beach County beaches are nesting grounds for sea turtles. Green, Leatherback, and Loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Respect nesting sites and avoid disturbing marked nests. Participate in guided turtle walks and hatchling release programs at centers like Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and Loggerhead Marinelife Center to learn more about these magnificent creatures and their conservation.
Find out 10 Fun Facts About Sea Turtles
Swim in Guarded Beaches
For those who prefer swimming with an added layer of safety, Palm Beach County has numerous beaches with lifeguards on duty. Some of the guarded beach parks include:
- Carlin Park, Jupiter
- Coral Cove Park, Tequesta
- DuBois Park, Jupiter
- Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream
- Juno Beach Park, Juno Beach
- Jupiter Beach Park, Jupiter
- Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach
- Ocean Cay Park, Jupiter
- Ocean Inlet Park, Ocean Ridge
- Ocean Reef Park, Riviera Beach
- Peanut Island Park, Riviera Beach
- Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach
- South Inlet Park, Boca Raton
Guarded hours change on a seasonal basis. Please check the Parks & Recreation website for more information on guarded beach parks.
Visit The Best Beaches in South Florida
Now that you know the rules, you just need to pick your perfect beach! With 47 miles of pristine coastline, Palm Beach County boasts an array of beautiful beaches, each offering unique experiences.
Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park is perfect for families, featuring canopy-covered walkways, a hardwood boardwalk, and lifeguard services. Coral Cove Park in Tequesta is renowned for its excellent snorkeling conditions, while Delray Beach Municipal Beach offers a tranquil experience with its calm waves and nearby Atlantic Avenue restaurants.
For panoramic ocean views and fishing, Juno Beach Park is ideal. Jupiter Beach Park is family-friendly and even has a dog-friendly section. Lake Worth Municipal Beach is perfect for a relaxed day out, and Ocean Reef Park on Singer Island offers ample sand and great snorkeling opportunities.
Peanut Island Park is a unique spot accessible by boat, perfect for snorkeling and camping. Red Reef Park in Boca Raton is great for bird-watching and snorkeling, while John D. MacArthur State Park offers a variety of water activities in a natural setting.
Find out more about the Best Beaches in Palm Beach County
Enjoying the beaches of Palm Beach County is a wonderful experience when you prioritize safety and environmental responsibility. By respecting the marine life and following beach safety guidelines, you can have a fun and safe beach outing. So pack your sunscreen, water bottle, and respect for nature, and head out to enjoy the beautiful shores of The Palm Beaches.
For more beach safety information, visit the Drowning Prevention Coalition website and read the Be Water Smart Booklet.
