Watch the Digital Desk conversation with Dan Jones, Aquatics & Beach Safety Division Head in the video player on this page.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Ahead of the holiday weekend, we are on your side, helping to keep residents safe ahead of the summer season.
The city of Norfolk and the Department of Parks and Recreation has beach, pool and water safety tips to keep individuals protected.
Dan Jones, the aquatics and beach safety division head, joined the Digital Desk to discuss what you need to know and more. Watch the livestream in the video player on this page.
Here is information from the city of Norfolk, below.
Beach safety
“The first thing we always advise everyone to look at the weather,” Jones said.
Take a look at heat advisories and be prepared. Some tips include: dress for the weather, bring shade and sunblock with you and hydrate while at the beach. Bring umbrellas or hats to keep the heat at bay.
Also, be advised of forecasted storms. You should not be on the beach or in the water during an electrical storm.
“Parents, please watch your children,” Jones said. “Most of the incidents we respond to, children are drowning, near drowning situations is a lack of supervision, lack of adult supervision.”
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Saturday, May 25. When they can be on the beach, make sure dogs are on the leash.
One big safety issue, is rock jetties and pipes up and down the beaches.
Be careful near these. It is illegal to trespass on those and they are very dangerous. They respond to a lot of incidents each year from individuals trying to jump off and have fallen off. This can lead to major injuries.
Alcohol and glass on the beach is a concern.
“Please make sure you’re bringing proper beverages to the beach because alcohol is illegal, and glass is illegal to have on the beaches,” Jones said.
Be aware of sea life in the water.
Jones advises it is not yet the season for jelly fish, so visitors do not need to be worried yet.
“They don’t typically come out till the water warms up,” Jones said.
Water hazards
Pay attention to high and low tides as well as water advisories.
- Green flags mean normal operations
- Yellow flags mean medium hazards. The water depth may be restricted for how far swimmers can go out.
- Red flags means no swimming. That can be for a variety of reasons including rip currents, rough surf, electrical storms and more.
There are signs when you enter the beach defining what flags mean, green, yellow and red for visitors.
Swimming
“We always recommend, always swim with a buddy,” Jones said.
Swim near a lifeguard if possible.
He also advises those coming out for Memorial Day weekend to be careful of your swimming endurance, after time out of the water since last summer.
“And, if you are a weak swimmer, you have children that are smaller or also weak swimmers, wear a life jacket,” Jones said.
Life jacket loaners programs exist at Norfolk beaches. Visitors can borrow a life jacket for a day and bring it back when they are done.
Beach lifeguards
Jones said the lifeguards have been trained and are ready to get started this weekend at beaches and pools around Norfolk.
Norfolk Beach Lifeguards will be on duty at Community Beach Park, 700 E. Ocean View Ave. from noon to 6 p.m. daily. This schedule begins this Saturday, May 25 and continues through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 2.
Sarah Constant Beach Park and Ocean View Beach Park will not have beach lifeguards on duty. At those locations, visitors can swim at their own risk.
Keep the beach clean
Visitors are encouraged to bring a trash bag to keep their space clean after visiting. There are trash cans along the beach to dispose your bag after your visit.
Visit norfolk.gov/beaches to find out more about beach parks, public beach access locations, fishing and more.
Pool and water safety
Never leave a child alone near water and designate a responsible adult to watch children while they swim or play in, or around, the water.
Never dive in shallow water, in above ground pools or in any water of unknown depth.
Avoid using drugs and alcohol prior to and during recreational water activities.
When boating, be sure to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest, regardless of distance traveled, size of the boat and swimming ability of boaters.
The Virginia Department of Health has more information on pool and water safety.
Resource and more information
Norfolk Parks & Recreation offers aquatics classes and swimming lessons for all ages. Find out more about the classes at the link here.
The city of Norfolk is hiring beach and pool lifeguards. Visit norfolk.gov/jobs to find out more information.
Norfolk beaches all feature free parking, restrooms and more. Click here to see what is available at the beach.
Watch the full Digital Desk segment with Dan Jones to hear more advice and tips to stay safe this summer.