OceanCity.com/Surf

OceanCity.com/Surf

OceanCity.com/Surf

Save 40% @ OC’s most popular

WATERSPORTHOT SPOTS!

Available ONLY on our website!

OceanCity.com/Surf

Save 40% @ OC’s most popular

WATERSPORTHOT SPOTS!

Available ONLY on our website!

Located @Docks of Hooper’s Crab House -12913 Ocean Gateway410.213.SOAR(7327)

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Parasailing:$20 Off 800ftJetski Rentals: $15 of Anytime

Rent 1 JetSki & Get 2nd JetSki 1/2 Off!

Parasail & Jetski Combo!(Best Deal on Beach)

SurfingSurfing really is what all of us do when playing in the waves and riding them

from ocean to beach. Some people have made a complete art form out of the term and that is what we all commonly know as surfing. Surfing is a lifestyle. Surfing

is a culture. Surfing is one of the coolest things in the world to do and one that we

recommend everyone try at least once. For those that have adopted the lifestyle, we don’t need to say anything else. Ocean

City is home to some of the most awesome waves on the East Coast, so paddle out

and catch one for yourself.

OceanCity.com/surf

assateagueJust 6 miles from Ocean City, Assateague Island encompasses both a state park and a national seashore. Known for its wild ponies, exotic birds, and other fascinating wildlife, Assateague also offers endless opportunities for activities on the water. Cast off either of Assateague’s shores to experience some of the finest fishing or hike inland to one of the numerous secluded fishing holes. If you’d rather be on the water, rent a jet ski or paddleboard for a scenic tour around Assateague, or get close and personal by kayaking your way along the island. There’s camping of all kinds and nature tours by park personnel. No trip is complete without a trip to Assateague! For photo gallery and additional info visit...

OceanCity.com/Assateague

BodyboardingThe bodyboard (also known as boogie board) was invented by Tom Morey on the afternoon of July 7, 1971. On that momentous day, staring out at the surf

without a board to ride, Morey borrowed an electric carving knife and a household

iron, whittled some scrap polyethylene foam into a small rectangular mat and

covered it with newspaper. He found his invention easy to produce and even easier to navigate. Since that day, bodyboarding has grown into one of the most common

recreational activities taking place on beaches around the world. So grab your

board or rent one on the beach and experience firsthand what the fuss

is all about.

OceanCity.com/bodyboarding

Jet SkiingOne of Ocean City’s most popular

watersport activities, jet skiing takes riders on adrenaline pumping cruises around

the ocean and bay. Whether you chose to spend your time speeding around a ride area and jumping wake, or taxiing around the shorelines of Assateague to explore the scenery, there is an Ocean City jet ski rental company eager to get you out on the water. Riders must take a

general boaters safety course and pass a corresponding test prior to being permitted to hit the water. Companies have different rules regarding rentals to minors, so avoid disappointment by checking whether or

not you need a parent to accompany you before you go. For more information and

permission forms you can download go to:

OceanCity.com/jetskiing

CHECK OUT...Paradise Watersports 410.213.7627Bayside Boat Rentals 240.375.3212Odyssea Watersports 410.723.4227Water Ways Marina 410.723.4228 Island Watersports 302.907.9991

ParasailingOcean City’s scenic beauty is second to none, but have you ever considered

checking it out from 400, 600, or 800 feet in the air? If so, parasailing is your ticket to a bird’s eye view of the beach and

bay. Parasailing is a kiting activity where a person, or group, is towed behind a boat and raised high in the sky. This simple, fun,

and safe activity will entertain the entire family and take your vacation to new

heights. Literally!

OceanCity.com/parasailing

CHECK OUT...Paradise Watersports 410.213.7627

Jetovator & Other WatersportsJust when you thought the water couldn’t get any more extreme, the latest watersport craze hits Ocean City. The newest jet propelled toy in (and above) the water is the jetovator (also known as the Jetlev). If you want to take your vacation to the next level, get off the beach and let the jetovator give you the ride of your life. Literally jet propelled, the jetovator is half jet ski, half rocket pack, and 100% exciting. Rise 30 feet above the water, dive up to ten feet below, and zoom along at up to 25 mph, all while your buddy driving the jet ski looks up in envy. The jetovator is taking Ocean City by storm, so don’t be left out. Strap yourself in for the ultimate thrill ride today! Don’t forget the snorkeling, scuba and other underwater adventures also available in the Ocean City area.

OceanCity.com/jetovator

W a t e r s p o r t ~ O v e r v i e w s

Best Fishing Charter

Judith M 2107 Herring Way

410-289-7438

JoJo Sportfishing12806 Sunset Ave. in West OC

610-999-0309

Best Mini Golf

Old Pro Golf6801 Coastal Hwy,

Multiple Locations 410-524-2645

Lost Treasure Golf13903 Coastal Hwy

410-250-5678

Best

Parasailing

Odyssea WatersportsOC Baysports

2107 Herring Way 410-289-2144

Paradise Watersports12913 Ocean Gateway (next to Hooper’s)

410-213-7627

Best Jet Skiing

Odyssea Watersports5003c Coastal Hwy,

(next to Seacrets) 410-723-4227

Action Watersports120 52nd St.

410-524-4769

Paradise Watersports12913 Ocean Gateway

(next to Hooper’s) 410-213-7627

Best kayak Rentals/Experience

48th St. Watersports4701 Coastal Hwy

410-524-9150

SuperFun Eco Tours11848 Assateague Rd.

Berlin, MD 410-656-9453

Best Surf Shop

Malibu’s Surf Shop8th St. & the Boardwalk

410-289-3000

K-Coast3505 Coastal Highway

410-524-8500

Chauncey’sSurf Shop

Multiple locations 410-289-7405

www.OceanCity.com/BestofOC

Over 105,000 voters chose the

winners through polls on Facebook and Online. Top 2 winners!

Pro Pick.A panel of local experts

chose their favorites!

Ocean City, md

offers more than the best beach on

the East Coast- it is also home to a

wide array of watersports and aquatic

activities that add excitement to

any vacation. Here you will find all the

information you need about making

the most of the water in Ocean City,

including:

Rip current safety.

Beach Patrol safety tips.

Details about surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, SUP, bodyboarding,

the jetovator, boating & fishing, money-saving coupons

& discounted gift certificates,insight and advice from professional

bodyboarder Brian Stoehr,featured businesses and rental companies.

Kayaking/SUPWho said watersports have to be engine powered? Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) are awesome ways to experience the water while staying relaxed. Kayaks are ideal for exploring Ocean City’s immense system of waterways. Take a personal trek along Assateague to experience the natural beauty, or join a guided tour to learn more about areas that are untouchable by land. If you’d rather stand than sit, SUP is another paddling option that is widely popular in Ocean City. You will see people on these oversized boards In the ocean, the bay, creeks, and rivers surrounding Ocean City, doing everything from racing, relaxing, taking ecotours, and even yoga. Grab a board and get out on the water today to see what the big deal is all about.

OceanCity.com/SUP CHECK OUT... Superfun Eco Tours 410.656.9453 Odyssea Watersports 410.723.4227 Island Watersports 302.907.9991

Oceancity.com/Kayaking CHECK OUT... Superfun Eco Tours 410.656.9453 Paradise Watersports 410.213.7627

Ocean City began as an isolated fishing community and, to this day, that tradition is still as prevalent as ever as great boating and fishing are two more activities on the long list of watersports OCMD is known for. If boating is your passion, use one of Ocean City’s marinas or boat ramps to get your vessel in the water, or rent a pontoon or jet boat for an exciting afternoon with your friends. If you prefer fishing, rent a charter for an off-shore fishing adventure, cast from the beach or OC Fishing Pier for spectacular surf fishing, or drop a line off the bridge and try to reel in one of the bay’s biggest fish. And don’t forget about the world famous White Marlin Open and all the other annual fishing tournaments. Regardless if you want to go boating or fishing, or both, you have certainly come to the right place.oceancity.com/fishing-boatingCHECK OUT...Bayside Boat Rentals 240.375.3212Water Ways Marina 410.723.4228 Island Watersports 302.907.9991

boating & fishing

OC’S OWNBRIAN STOEHR

Brian’s Surf TipEquipment is everything! If you want to learn how to surf, the right size board is the key to making sure you have a good time. In short, the bigger the board, the wider the board and the thicker the board, the easier it is to stand up. Learn the right way, start out on a larger board and slowly make your way onto a smaller, more maneuverable board. You have to crawl before you can walk.

Brian’s Bodyboard TipThe first and most basic trick you can do on a bodyboard is a 360° spin. Once riding a wave, slide forward on the board, pick your feet up out of the water and drop one of your hands in the water. If you are far enough forward on the board and your feet aren’t dragging in the water, your hand will act as a rudder and spin you in a circle.

Brian’s Paddleboard TipPaddle boarding is simple if you keep in mind that your weight has to be distributed equally on both feet – you can keep the board very stable. Once onboard, just stay relaxed and enjoy yourself. Everyone worries so much about falling and if you think about it too much, you’re going down! Keep in mind, it’s just water-. Learn the right way, start out on a larger board and slowly make your way onto a smaller, more maneuverable board. You have to crawl before you can walk.

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Couponsthe Best

11648AssateagueRd.•Berlin,MD21811(410) 524-3535

Assateague IslandOnly 6 Miles

fromOcean City

Learn before you get into the water.

Surfing Beaches in Ocean City Current city regulations mandate that propersurfboards – thosewith fins or thosemore than 54inches long – are prohibited on city beaches fromthehoursof10a.m.to5:30p.m.betweenMemorialDayandLaborDay,andspecificallyalongBoardwalk-adjacentbeachesfromMay1toSept.30.

Duringthosetimes,thecityhasarotatingsurfingbeachschedulethatlimitssummerdaytimesurfboarduse to two select blocks of beach, which changedaily,aswellas thesouthernhalfof the inletbeachon weekdays only. The Ocean City Beach Patrolcanexpandthesurfingbeachesatthesedesignatedlocationspriorto10am.

Surfing on Assateague AssateagueIslandisacrosstheinletfromOceanCityandprovidesmilesofwildbeachesforenjoyment.Thereare lifeguardsonAssateagueallsummerandsurfing, surf fishing, mats and floats are allowedoutsidethelifeguardedareas.

Know Your Tides Tidesandwindsmakeahugedifferenceto theconditions that affect your enjoyment of thewater.From fishing on the turning tide, to surfing at alow tide, this information is importantandavailableonline. To check tides at your location and howtheywillaffectyourfun,gotowww.OceanCity.com/tide-tables. You can also ask your beach patrolrepresentative.

Horizon’s Oceanfront Restaurant

3 Locations: 18thSt.&116thSt.inOCRt.50and611inWestOC

(410) 524-2922

Facts about rip currents◆ Rip current speeds vary. Average

speeds are 1-2 feet per second, but they have been measured as fast as 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer!

◆ Rip currents can be very narrow or more than 50 yards wide.

◆ Sometimes rip currents end just beyond the line of breaking waves; however, they may continue to pull hundreds of yards offshore.

◆ Rip currents do not pull people under the water—they pull people away from shore.

◆ Rip currents are not “undertow” or “riptides.” These improper terms should not be used to describe them.

Safety tips◆ Know how to swim.

◆ Never swim alone.

◆ For maximum safety, swim near a lifeguard.

◆ Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.

◆ Be cautious at all times.

◆ If in doubt, don’t go out!

Where can I get more information about rip currents?◆ Before you leave for the beach, check

the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offices issue a Surf Zone Forecast.

◆ When you arrive at the beach, ask on-duty lifeguards about rip currents and any other hazards that may be present.

◆ More information about rip currents can be found at the following web sites:

www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov www.usla.org

A break in the incoming wave pattern is one sign of a rip current.

United States Lifesaving Association statistics indicate that the chance of death by drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards is 1 in 18 million.

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NOAA’s National Weather Service, National Sea Grant College Program, and the United States Lifesaving Association are working to educate the public on the dangers of rip currents.

NOAA PA 200455

NOAA’s National Weather Service

Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services

301 713-1677 ext. 124

®

if possible

What They Are • The Dangers • How to Escape

QA What is a rip current? Rip currents are channeled currents of water fl owing away from shore at surf beaches. They typically extend from near the shoreline, through the surf zone and past the line of breaking waves. (The surf zone is the area between the high tide level on the beach to the seaward side of breaking waves.)

How do rip currents form? Rip currents form when waves break near the shoreline, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach. One of the ways this water returns to sea is to form a rip current, a narrow stream of water moving swiftly away from shore, often perpendicular to the shoreline.

How big are rip currents? Rip currents can be as narrow as 10 or 20 feet in width though they may be up to ten times wider. The length of the rip current also varies. Rip currents begin to slow down as they move offshore, beyond the breaking waves, but sometimes extend for hun-dreds of feet beyond the surf zone.

How fast are rip currents? Rip current speeds can vary. Sometimes they are too slow to be considered dangerous. However, under certain wave, tide, and beach shape conditions the speeds can quickly become dangerous. Rip currents have been measured to exceed 5 mph, slower than you can run but faster than you or even an Olympic swimmer can swim.

Are all rip currents dangerous? Rip currents are present on many beaches every day of the year, but they are usually too slow to be dangerous to beachgoers. However, under certain wave, tide, and beach shape conditions they can increase to dangerous speeds. The strength and speed of a rip current will likely increase as wave height and wave period increase.

Are rip currents and undertows different? Rip currents are not “undertow” or “riptides.” These are obsolete terms. In some areas, people have used the term undertow to describe the combination of being knocked down, pulled out, and submerged due to a lack of swimming ability and/or lack of know-ing what to do to escape. This is where the myth formed that a rip current (or “undertow”) pulls you under water. A rip current pulls you out, not under.

Why do some people use terms like runouts and rip tides when you are calling them rip currents?These terms, though once commonly used in certain regions or time periods, are now considered to be incorrect. The National Weather Service, Sea Grant, and the USLA are working together to use consis-tent terminology to provide a clear rip current safety message to the public.

Where should I look for rip currents?Rip currents can be found on many surf beaches every day.

Rip currents most typically form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. Ripcurrents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes.

How do rip currents result in the drowning of swimmers?Drowning deaths occur when people pulled offshore are unable to keep themselves afl oat and swim to shore. This may be due to any combination of fear, panic, exhaustion, or lack of swimming skills. Rip currents are the greatest surf zone hazard to all beachgoers. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Rip currents are particularly dangerous for weak and non-swimmers.

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More information about rip currents can be found at the following sites:http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov http://www.usla.org/ripcurrents

http://www.weather.gov/nwr/

Make safety top priority.Safety Information NOAAproducedthisinfoonriptides&currents.Brianspends15minutesofeveryclassteachingsafetybecauseknowingaboutripcurrents,howtoidentifythem,andwhatyoucandotoescaperipssafelySAVESLIVES!Read it & Learn It! Then, go out & HAVE FUN! QUESTIONS?Ifyoueverhavequestionsorconcerns,ask yourSurfRescueTechnicianwith theOceanCityBeachPatrol.Theseareprofessionallifesaverswhosejob it is to know the ocean and help keep you safe.They are on the beach all summer from10 amuntil5:30 pm daily. Formore info ontheOCBeachPatrol,go towww.OceanCity.com/OCBeachPatrol.

NAT AT AIONAL

OCE

ANICAND

ATATA MOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATATA IO

N

US

DEPAPAP RTMENT OF COMME

RCERip Currents

What They Are • The Dangers • How to Escape

More information about rip currents can be found at the following sites:http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov http://www.usla.org/ripcurrents

http://www.weather.gov/nwr/

How can I identify a rip current? Signs that a rip current is present are very subtle and diffi cult for the average beachgoer to identify. Look for differences in the water color, water motion, incoming wave shape or breaking point compared to adjacent conditions. Look for any of these clues: • Channel of churning, choppy water • Area having a notable difference in water color • Line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward • Break in the incoming wave pattern • One, all or none the clues may be visible. How can people avoid rip current problems? Avoid rip current problem by: • Learn to swim • If you’ll be in surf, learn to swim in surf. It’s not the same as a pool or lake. • Never swim alone. • Swim near a lifeguard. • Look for posted signs and warning fl ags, which may indicate higher than usual hazards. • Check with lifeguards before swimming. • Obey all instructions provided by lifeguards. • Be cautious. Always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them. • If in doubt, don’t go out!

What can people do if caught in a rip current? If caught in a rip current: • Try to remain calm to conserve energy. • Don’t fi ght the current. • Think of it like a treadmill you can’t turn off. You want to step to the side of it. • Swim across the current in a direction following the shoreline. • When out of the current, swim and angle away from the current and towards shore.

• If you can’t escape this, try to fl oat, or calmly tread water. Rip current strength eventually subsides offshore. When it does, swim toward shore. • If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw atten- tion to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help. How can people assist others who are caught in a rip current?You can help someone caught in a rip current by: • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. • If no lifeguard is available, have someone call 9-1-1. • Throw the rip current victim something that fl oats – a lifejacket, a cooler, a ball. • Yell instructions on how to escape. • Many have died trying to help others. Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! • Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.• When you arrive at the beach, ask on-duty lifeguards about rip currents and any other hazards that may be present.

QA

QA

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Before you leave for the beach, NOAA encourages you to check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.

NAT AT AIONAL

OCE

ANICAND

ATATA MOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATATA IO

N

US

DEPAPAP RTMENT OF COMME

RCERip Currents

What They Are • The Dangers • How to Escape

More information about rip currents can be found at the following sites:http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov http://www.usla.org/ripcurrents

http://www.weather.gov/nwr/

How can I identify a rip current? Signs that a rip current is present are very subtle and diffi cult for the average beachgoer to identify. Look for differences in the water color, water motion, incoming wave shape or breaking point compared to adjacent conditions. Look for any of these clues: • Channel of churning, choppy water • Area having a notable difference in water color • Line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward • Break in the incoming wave pattern • One, all or none the clues may be visible. How can people avoid rip current problems? Avoid rip current problem by: • Learn to swim • If you’ll be in surf, learn to swim in surf. It’s not the same as a pool or lake. • Never swim alone. • Swim near a lifeguard. • Look for posted signs and warning fl ags, which may indicate higher than usual hazards. • Check with lifeguards before swimming. • Obey all instructions provided by lifeguards. • Be cautious. Always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them. • If in doubt, don’t go out!

What can people do if caught in a rip current? If caught in a rip current: • Try to remain calm to conserve energy. • Don’t fi ght the current. • Think of it like a treadmill you can’t turn off. You want to step to the side of it. • Swim across the current in a direction following the shoreline. • When out of the current, swim and angle away from the current and towards shore.

• If you can’t escape this, try to fl oat, or calmly tread water. Rip current strength eventually subsides offshore. When it does, swim toward shore. • If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw atten- tion to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help. How can people assist others who are caught in a rip current?You can help someone caught in a rip current by: • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. • If no lifeguard is available, have someone call 9-1-1. • Throw the rip current victim something that fl oats – a lifejacket, a cooler, a ball. • Yell instructions on how to escape. • Many have died trying to help others. Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! • Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.• When you arrive at the beach, ask on-duty lifeguards about rip currents and any other hazards that may be present.

QA

QA

QA

QA

Before you leave for the beach, NOAA encourages you to check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.

NAT AT AIONAL

OCE

ANICAND

ATATA MOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATATA IO

N

US

DEPAPAP RTMENT OF COMME

RCERip Currents

What They Are • The Dangers • How to Escape

More information about rip currents can be found at the following sites:http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov http://www.usla.org/ripcurrents

http://www.weather.gov/nwr/

How can I identify a rip current? Signs that a rip current is present are very subtle and diffi cult for the average beachgoer to identify. Look for differences in the water color, water motion, incoming wave shape or breaking point compared to adjacent conditions. Look for any of these clues: • Channel of churning, choppy water • Area having a notable difference in water color • Line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward • Break in the incoming wave pattern • One, all or none the clues may be visible. How can people avoid rip current problems? Avoid rip current problem by: • Learn to swim • If you’ll be in surf, learn to swim in surf. It’s not the same as a pool or lake. • Never swim alone. • Swim near a lifeguard. • Look for posted signs and warning fl ags, which may indicate higher than usual hazards. • Check with lifeguards before swimming. • Obey all instructions provided by lifeguards. • Be cautious. Always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them. • If in doubt, don’t go out!

What can people do if caught in a rip current? If caught in a rip current: • Try to remain calm to conserve energy. • Don’t fi ght the current. • Think of it like a treadmill you can’t turn off. You want to step to the side of it. • Swim across the current in a direction following the shoreline. • When out of the current, swim and angle away from the current and towards shore.

• If you can’t escape this, try to fl oat, or calmly tread water. Rip current strength eventually subsides offshore. When it does, swim toward shore. • If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw atten- tion to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help. How can people assist others who are caught in a rip current?You can help someone caught in a rip current by: • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. • If no lifeguard is available, have someone call 9-1-1. • Throw the rip current victim something that fl oats – a lifejacket, a cooler, a ball. • Yell instructions on how to escape. • Many have died trying to help others. Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! • Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.• When you arrive at the beach, ask on-duty lifeguards about rip currents and any other hazards that may be present.

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Before you leave for the beach, NOAA encourages you to check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.

NAT AT AIONAL

OCE

ANICAND

ATATA MOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATATA IO

N

US

DEPAPAP RTMENT OF COMME

RCERip Currents

What They Are • The Dangers • How to Escape

More information about rip currents can be found at the following sites:http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov http://www.usla.org/ripcurrents

http://www.weather.gov/nwr/

How can I identify a rip current? Signs that a rip current is present are very subtle and diffi cult for the average beachgoer to identify. Look for differences in the water color, water motion, incoming wave shape or breaking point compared to adjacent conditions. Look for any of these clues: • Channel of churning, choppy water • Area having a notable difference in water color • Line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward • Break in the incoming wave pattern • One, all or none the clues may be visible. How can people avoid rip current problems? Avoid rip current problem by: • Learn to swim • If you’ll be in surf, learn to swim in surf. It’s not the same as a pool or lake. • Never swim alone. • Swim near a lifeguard. • Look for posted signs and warning fl ags, which may indicate higher than usual hazards. • Check with lifeguards before swimming. • Obey all instructions provided by lifeguards. • Be cautious. Always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them. • If in doubt, don’t go out!

What can people do if caught in a rip current? If caught in a rip current: • Try to remain calm to conserve energy. • Don’t fi ght the current. • Think of it like a treadmill you can’t turn off. You want to step to the side of it. • Swim across the current in a direction following the shoreline. • When out of the current, swim and angle away from the current and towards shore.

• If you can’t escape this, try to fl oat, or calmly tread water. Rip current strength eventually subsides offshore. When it does, swim toward shore. • If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw atten- tion to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help. How can people assist others who are caught in a rip current?You can help someone caught in a rip current by: • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. • If no lifeguard is available, have someone call 9-1-1. • Throw the rip current victim something that fl oats – a lifejacket, a cooler, a ball. • Yell instructions on how to escape. • Many have died trying to help others. Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! • Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.• When you arrive at the beach, ask on-duty lifeguards about rip currents and any other hazards that may be present.

QA

QA

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Before you leave for the beach, NOAA encourages you to check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.

NAT AT AIONAL

OCE

ANICAND

ATATA MOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATATA IO

N

US

DEPAPAP RTMENT OF COMME

RCERip Currents

What They Are • The Dangers • How to Escape

More information about rip currents can be found at the following sites:http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov http://www.usla.org/ripcurrents

http://www.weather.gov/nwr/

How can I identify a rip current? Signs that a rip current is present are very subtle and diffi cult for the average beachgoer to identify. Look for differences in the water color, water motion, incoming wave shape or breaking point compared to adjacent conditions. Look for any of these clues: • Channel of churning, choppy water • Area having a notable difference in water color • Line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward • Break in the incoming wave pattern • One, all or none the clues may be visible. How can people avoid rip current problems? Avoid rip current problem by: • Learn to swim • If you’ll be in surf, learn to swim in surf. It’s not the same as a pool or lake. • Never swim alone. • Swim near a lifeguard. • Look for posted signs and warning fl ags, which may indicate higher than usual hazards. • Check with lifeguards before swimming. • Obey all instructions provided by lifeguards. • Be cautious. Always assume rip currents are present even if you don’t see them. • If in doubt, don’t go out!

What can people do if caught in a rip current? If caught in a rip current: • Try to remain calm to conserve energy. • Don’t fi ght the current. • Think of it like a treadmill you can’t turn off. You want to step to the side of it. • Swim across the current in a direction following the shoreline. • When out of the current, swim and angle away from the current and towards shore.

• If you can’t escape this, try to fl oat, or calmly tread water. Rip current strength eventually subsides offshore. When it does, swim toward shore. • If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore, draw atten- tion to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help. How can people assist others who are caught in a rip current?You can help someone caught in a rip current by: • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. • If no lifeguard is available, have someone call 9-1-1. • Throw the rip current victim something that fl oats – a lifejacket, a cooler, a ball. • Yell instructions on how to escape. • Many have died trying to help others. Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! • Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.• When you arrive at the beach, ask on-duty lifeguards about rip currents and any other hazards that may be present.

QA

QA

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Before you leave for the beach, NOAA encourages you to check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offi ces issue a Surf Zone Forecast.

IF CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT♦ Don’t fight the current

♦ Swim out of the current, then to shore

♦ If you can’t escape, float or tread water

♦ If you need help, call or wave for assistance

SAFETY♦ Know how to swim

♦ Never Swim alone

♦ If in doubt, don’t go out

More information about ripcurrents can be found at thefollowing web sites:

www.ripcurrents.noaa.govwww.usla.org

CURRENTCURRENT RIP CURRENT

Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.

Break the Grip of the Rip!

ESCAPEESCAPE

ESCAPEESCAPE

www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov

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04.23.13 Water Safety Guide.indd 2 4/25/13 12:21 AM

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The beach patrol is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure and enjoyable atmosphere on the beach and in the ocean. The surf rescue technician on the stand carries out this responsibility by informing the public and enforcing applicable rules, laws and local ordinances. Basically the Ocean City Beach Patrol regulates all beach activities. For your protection and safety, the activities below are either Prohibited P or Regulated R on the beaches of Ocean City.

P Consuming alcoholic beverages (24 hours a day all year long).P Allowing dogs on the beach (May 1 – Sept 30) (24 hours a day including the boardwalk).P Sleeping on beach (10 p.m. – 6 a.m.).P Using a skim board after 10 a.m. and before 5:30 p.m.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:BP Ball playing and Frisbee throwing (never in front of guard stands).BP Umbrella placement beyond established line (never in front of guard stands).BP Kite flying.BP Digging holes in the sand (never deeper than knee deep).BP Fishing while OCBP is on duty.BP Surfing in designated areas only.

beach safety tips We would like to suggest that you

always follow these safety tips: Parents should monitor all activities of children they are responsible for to make sure they remain safe at all times and don’t become lost. Swim near a lifeguard. Apply sunscreen liberally and often. Drink plenty of water. Wear eye protection. Establish and check landmarks. Keep valuables off the beach. Please put trash in its place. Do not drink alcohol in excess in hot temperatures. No glass containers please. And finally, take seriously the warning of the SRT when storms are in the area. The Ocean City Beach Patrol is in constant communication with the National Weather Service. When instructed by beach patrol personnel, please secure your belongings and leave the beach immediately for your safety and ours!

Learn before you get in the water!

Surfing Beaches in OCCurrent city regulations mandate that proper surfboards - those with fins or those more than 54 inches long - are prohibited on city beaches from the hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between memorial Day and labor Day, and specifically along Boardwalk - adjacent beaches from May 1 to Sept 30. During those times, the city has a rotating surfing beach schedule that limits summer daytime surfboard use to two select blocks of beach, which change daily, as well as the southern half of the inlet beach on weekdays only. The Ocean City Beach Patrol can expand the surfing beaches at these designated locations prior to 10 a.m. To get surf beach updates go to:

OceanCity.com/surfing-beaches

Know Your TidesTides and winds make a huge difference to the conditions that affect your enjoyment of the water. From fishing on the turning tide, to surfing at a low tide, this information is important and available online. To check tides at your location and how they will affect your fun, go to... www.OceanCity.com/tide-tableYou can also ask your beach patrol representative.

Surfing on assateagueAssateague Island is across the inlet from Ocean City and provides miles of wild beaches for enjoyment. There are lifeguards on Assateague all summer and surfing, surf fishing, mats and floats are allowed outside the lifeguard areas.

Check out local OC, MD photography!when you’re outof the water,

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