Beach Safety
There is nothing quite like visiting a new to you beach, especially along our rocky and picturesque coastline! Here are some beach safety tips to make sure you have the most enjoyable experience, while keeping yourself and those around you safe.
Never turn your back on the ocean. It's a common saying, especially around here, and for good reason! Keeping an eye on the surf will help you watch out for unpredictable sneaker waves, which can happen year round no matter the tide or weather. A single sneaker wave can knock adults off their feet with ease, so always have an eye on the ocean.
Utilize a local tide table! They're available for free in the Yachats area, in our Visitors Center. Using a tide chart will really help you pick the best time for your beach trip, whether that's a low tide for viewing some marine life and some kite flying, or a high tide for wave watching and photography.
Leave the wildlife alone! Don't pry sea stars off rocks, don't poke the anemones, and let all wildlife be. There are a lot of species that can't be found anywhere else but our coastline, that are also protected, so please treat our marine locals and birds with respect and care. NEVER approach a seal pup, seal, or sea lions, for everyone's safety and wellbeing.
Don't play on driftwood logs or on eroding rocky areas. Winter storms deposit huge logs of driftwood up on the beaches, which can be slick, unstable, very heavy, and dangerous. The same goes for any cliff or rocky areas that experience erosion- be very mindful of where you're stepping, unstable areas aren't uncommon. Never dig into or chip away at our rocky cliffs as it significantly increases shoreline erosion and landslides.
Most likely the beach you're visiting has a trail to it from the parking lot- please always stay on the designated trails, don't climb over fences or barriers. Going off trail harms sensitive and protected habitats and species along our coastline, as well as aids in erosion, and creates very unsafe situations, even more so should an emergency crew need to find you. Stay on the trails!
Check seasonal restrictions before planning a campfire on the beach, as they aren't always allowed. Never make a fire around any vegetation or driftwood, and always put them out completely with water. Do NOT bury the fire with sand.
While swimming isn't overly popular here, if you do want to brave the 52°F water, please be aware of rip currents. These super strong currents can quickly surprise the most confident swimmer, so practice caution while in the water. If you do get sucked into a rip current, swim parallel to the shore, and then at an angle back to land to remove yourself from it.
Author: Girl In Water Photography