Beaches, San Diego

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If you see signs at the beach warning of unsafe conditions or the lack of a lifeguard, pay attention to them! Every year, people die because they don't respect the power of the ocean. High winds, riptides and creatures of the sea can all lead to disaster, so just be aware of these things before you go out and tackle the ocean.

If you're ever caught in a riptide (when the ocean pulls you out away from the shore), don't fight it. Go with the current and try to relax. Eventually, the current will die out and you'll be able to swim parallel to the shore until you get away from it.

If you are walking, rollerblading, skating, biking, etc on boardwalk make sure you respect the law, otherwise you will get a ticket from these guys. Don't even leave a six pack on the wall between beach a boardwalk, you will get a ticket!! Laws in SD are constantly changing to worse... I guess

A few items:
Put your wallet in the trunk - not under the front seat.

Sunblock, Sunblock, Sunblock; especially when it is cloudy!

Till you know about rip tides, currents, jellyfish, kelp, and sandbars? Play it safe. Go slow, no deeper then your belly button and swim with a friend, next to others and in front of the lifeguard tower. Don't Panic. Ask for help or wave your arms before you start to freak out. Don't tighten up your muscles relax and float with you feet toward the waves. Breath in your mouth and out your nose.
If someone comes to help you - do what he or she tells you -let them grab you and if you have the strength kick with your legs

Don't wear your flip-flops in the sand - the locals don't really like sand baths.

Our beaches are not your ash tray - when you come out of the water and lay your head on your towel - the last thing one wants to smell and see is your butts.

Pick up your trash and control your kids.

San Diego has so many different types of beaches with different types of surf and people. Please feel free to email me to recommend a beach that will fit your needs.

North Pacific Beach Specifications, Rules & Regulations: Lifeguards are staffed at this beach year round, generally from 9:00 a.m. to dusk. Check with lifeguards for specific staff hours. The beach area north of Crystal Pier extends approximately one mile from the north end of the community of Pacific Beach to the south end of the community of La Jolla. This beach is bordered by cliffs up to 75 feet in height. A sidewalk traverses the cliff-top along much of the south end of the beach. In this area, parking is very limited. At the north end of the beach is Tourmaline Surfing Park which includes a public parking lot and limited facilities. This area is heavily used by surfers and sailboarders year round.
This beach has separate water areas reserved for swimming and surfing. Surfing is permitted at this beach. This beach is not recommended for scuba due to lack of undersea life, heavy water activity, and surf. Public restrooms and showers are located at the foot of Diamond Street and Law Street on the south end and at Tourmaline Surfing Park on the north end. Due to the natural cliffs bordering this beach, disabled accessibility is limited. Pacific Beach at the foot of Grand Avenue, just south of Crystal Pier, would be a better alternative.
Containers for beach fires are generally provided during summer months and available on a first come, first served basis. Alcohol may not be consumed in Pacific Beach Park or on the walkways above North Pacific Beach. Consumption of alcohol is permitted on the beach from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., but prohibited at all times in parking lots, adjacent walkways, and grassy parks adjacent to the beach.

Beware all parents I must warn you that your kids could be in a very comfortable place but for you it may not be as nice as you think it is!!!! Once your children go to the beach believe me they will never want to leave!

Bring your sun screen ~ nuff said

On our drive up the coast to Carlsbad, we stopped at several beaches along the way. This sign was posted at Cardiff Beach, home of the Swami Surf Contest.

Beach patrols are very serious in San Diego. Several times I tested them by swimming in the ocean where it was forbidden. In matter of seconds guards were there to save me..