Where To Stay

Dining & Nightlife

Things To Do

The weather forecast for March 28, in Ocean City, Maryland is:

The location could not be found.

Ocean City MD Beach Tips

misc7

misc6

Tips to Make Your Stay in Ocean City Safe & Enjoyable

Produced by the Ocean City Beach Patrol

How Do I Swim Safely?
The most important thing to remember is to swim only when and where guards are on duty. That is where the surf rescue technicians (SRT’s) patrol andcan help if you get into trouble while swimming. WARNING: Never swim before 10:00 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m.

What is a Surf Rescue Technician?

The S.R.T. is an important part of the beach environment. He/she is a strong swimmer, has knowledge of his/her area and the ability to respond if someone is in danger. It is important that you cooperate with the SRT in the performance of his/her duties. IMPORTANT! Whenever you hear a whistle blast, even if
you don’t think it is for you, locate the SRT to see what they may need. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and remember to WAVE YOUR ARMS WHEN IN DANGER.

What is a Wave?

A wave is a body of water moving along the surface of the ocean. It loses speed and gains height when it approaches the shore. As this happens, the depth of the water below the wave becomes more shallow. The size of the wave is affected by how strong the wind is and how long it blows. Depending on the depth of the water, there are three different shapes a wave can assume.
They are as follows:

What is a Rip Current?
Basically, a rip is a body of water moving out to sea. It is the most common water hazard leading a swimmer to distress and potential rescue. Rips are found wherever there is a hole or channel in the ocean bottom. As the water rushes through this area, it becomes churned, collected, and searches for a way back to sea. Once it finds a path, it rushes through the channel like a river. This tends to pull any person or object in that area away from the shore.

What Does a "Rip" Look Like?

How Do I Escape from a Rip Current/Washout?

The most important thing to remember is you are caught in a rip is DON’T PANIC. You should attempt to swim parallel to the shore, with the lateral current, for about 30 yards and then swim toward the shore. Many people try to swim against a rip, but this is DANGEROUS. If in danger, wave for help.

Rules for the Surf:

What is a Current?
A current, also known as a littoral drift, is caused by water running parallel and between the beach and a sand bar. These currents are often undetectable by sight and can catch swimmers off guard. Don’t panic if you are being moved along the shore. Simply make your way to the beach and walk back to where you entered the water.

What is Dangerous Shorebreak?

Shorebreak is the condition that arises when large waves break directly on the shore. Consequently, swimmers in shorebreak land directly on the sand. These waves are unpredictable and dangerous because they can cause serious shoulder, neck and spinal injuries to even the most experienced swimmer.

If you have any questions, call the OC Beach Patrol Office at 289-7556. Our hours of operation during the summer are from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For your protection and safety, the activities below are either

Prohibited (P) or Restricted (R) on the beaches of Ocean City

P: Consuming alcoholic beverages
P: Allowing dogs in the beach (May 1 – Sept. 30)
P: Sleeping on the beach (10 pm – 6 am)
P: Using a skim board after 10 am and before 5:30 pm
P: Bringing glass containers onto the beach
R: Starting open fires on the beach
R: Playing loud music

These activities are under the discretion of the beach patrol

R: Ball playing and frisbee throwing
R: Umbrella placement beyond established line
R: Kite flying
R: Use of boogie boards with skegs on the bottom
R: Digging holes in the sand
R: Fishing while the O.C.B.P. is on duty

We would also like to suggest that you always follow these safety tips.

Surfing Beaches

The Town of Ocean City Beach Patrol, in cooperation with the Eastern Surfing Association, establishes rotating surfing beaches, one in the north and one in the south, which rotate two blocks south each day. Each beach is exactly one block wide and is administered to by a surfing beach facilitator. Brochures showing the day-to-day location of the surfing beaches are distributed by the E.S.A. to most area surf shops and are available upon request at the Beach Patrol Office.

Important Phone Numbers:

What are Safety Seminars?
Beach Safety Seminars are presentations conducted by the staff of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. The purpose of these seminars is to promote public awareness of safety issues at the beach. The seminars are held on the beach every Sunday morning and begin at 10:30 a.m. They are approximately 30 minutes long and are located throughout the 10 1/2 miles of beach. Please see your nearest lifeguard for the safety seminar closest to you. Beach Patrons of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. The seminars are free of charge.