How should I prepare for a beach emergency?

Choose a guarded beach when you plan to enter the water. Know the name of the beach and where to get help. Choose a meeting place in case your group gets separated. Look for warning signs and flags before entering the water.

What should I do if I am in trouble in the water?

Relax and stay calm. Float on your back and signal to people on shore.

What should I do first if I see a swimmer in trouble?

Signal a lifeguard or another adult to get help. Keep track of the swimmer without looking away.

How can I help a swimmer without entering the water?

Throw the swimmer a flotation device while you stay on shore. Stay out of the water.

Beach emergency actions

Prepare before entering the water and help swimmers from shore

Stay calm if you are in trouble. If you see trouble, get help and throw flotation from shore.

Sources checked August 20, 2026: National Weather Service beach hazards and safety (opens in a new tab) and NOAA Beach and Bay Safe quick reference guide (opens in a new tab) .

Prepare before entering the water

Choose a guarded beach when you plan to enter the water.
Know the name of the beach and where to get help.
Choose a meeting place in case your group gets separated.
Look for warning signs and flags before entering the water.

If you are in trouble

Relax and stay calm.
Float on your back and signal to people on shore.

If you see someone in trouble

Signal a lifeguard or another adult to get help.
Throw the swimmer a flotation device while you stay on shore.
Keep track of the swimmer without looking away.
Stay out of the water.

Source: National Weather Service beach hazards and safety (opens in a new tab) · Source: NOAA Beach and Bay Safe quick reference guide (opens in a new tab)

Beach emergency questions

How should I prepare for a beach emergency?: Choose a guarded beach when you plan to enter the water. Know the name of the beach and where to get help. Choose a meeting place in case your group gets separated. Look for warning signs and flags before entering the water.; Source: NOAA Beach and Bay Safe quick reference guide (opens in a new tab)
What should I do if I am in trouble in the water?: Relax and stay calm. Float on your back and signal to people on shore.; Source: NOAA Beach and Bay Safe quick reference guide (opens in a new tab)
What should I do first if I see a swimmer in trouble?: Signal a lifeguard or another adult to get help. Keep track of the swimmer without looking away.; Source: NOAA Beach and Bay Safe quick reference guide (opens in a new tab)
How can I help a swimmer without entering the water?: Throw the swimmer a flotation device while you stay on shore. Stay out of the water.; Source: NOAA Beach and Bay Safe quick reference guide (opens in a new tab)