We want you to have fun at the beach in Wildwood Crest, but remember to stay safe.

There is nothing better than a bright sunny day down the shore in Wildwood Crest, NJ. We want you to have an amazing experience in Wildwood Crest this summer. You should take advantage of all that our beaches have to offer, but we also want you to be safe. Here are our top 10 beach safety tips:

1. Apply Sunscreen (More than once)

The last thing you want to have is a painful sunburn after a fun long day at the beach. Always put on sunscreen before you head to the beach. Sunscreen is sold in a wide range of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for all skin safety needs. Remember to re-apply every few hours if you plan to be at the beach for the day, especially if you plan on going in the water.

2. Know how to swim and teach your children

If you are going to enjoy the refreshing and clear blue water of our New Jersey beaches, you need to know how to swim. Most local Y’s and community pools have swim lessons every summer, take this opportunity to at least learn the basics (if you have not already) and be sure sign up your children so they can stay safe in the water and enjoy themselves.

3. Swim near the Lifeguards

The lifeguards are there for a reason, to keep you and all of the other beach goers safe. There are designated swimming areas so the lifeguards can keep an eye on everyone and you don’t want to swim out.You also don’t want to be in a situation where you need assistance and cannot get the attention of the lifeguards. Make sure you are within eyesight and earshot of the lifeguards on duty at all times in the water.

4. Stay Hydrated

Most people when packing for the beach will bring the essentials: a towel, chair, a beach umbrella and a good book, but you don’t want to forget to bring water. You want to stay hydrated when you are going to be in the sun for a long period of time. Drinking a bottle of water every few hours can help you stay hydrated.

5. Watch the Weather

The weather can create have drastic changes in the aggressiveness of the ocean. Be mindful of dark clouds rolling in, winds picking up, and lightning. It isn’t safe to be on the beach during a lighting storm.

6. Be Cautious of the Waves

One of the most overlooked beach safety tips may be being mindful of the waves. The differences between low and high tide can be drastic. Lifeguard stands will show you what time low and high tide will be coming in and out and it is important to take note of each. If the ocean looks too rough for the day, head back to Armada and take a dip in our Olympic size heated pool and a kiddie pool for the kids!

7. Heed the Warning Beach Flags

If you are spending the day in the ocean, you need to know what each flag near the water means:

• Green (Low Hazard): Calm Conditions
• Yellow (Medium Hazard): Moderate Surf & Currents
• Red (High Hazard): High Surf & Strong Currents
• Double Red: Water is closed to the public
• Purple: Dangerous Marine Life in the area

8. Be Aware of Riptides:

Riptides can be very dangerous and tend to make people panic if they are caught in one. If you are caught in a riptide and you are being pulled farther and father from the beach, there are a few things you can do. Swim with the current, not against it. You will tire yourself out and will not be able to get to shore easily that way. Swim parallel to the beach until you are noticeably out of the riptide, then turn and make your way towards the shore. For more information on beach safety tips for riptides.

9. Don’t Swim Alone (or at night)

Swimming with a buddy is not only more fun, but also safer. If one of you needs assistance the other is there to help. The lifeguards in Wildwood Crest are also on duty until 5:30 pm and while night swimming may seem appealing, it can really put you in a bad spot if you suddenly need assistance. Only swim when there are lifeguards on duty.

10. Enter the water feet first

You see it all the time, people running and diving into the ocean. Unfortunately, there are a lot of injuries that can occur from doing so. We advise that you should always enter the water feet first to Check the terrain of the ocean floor and obstructions that may cause injury before any diving shall occur.

Wildwood Crest is the perfect place to spend a vacation with family fun at the beach. While we want you to have the vacation you’ve always dreamed of at the Armada Motel, we also want you to stay as safe as possible. Keep the 10 beach safety tips in mind when you book your next stay at Armada By-the-Sea this summer!