Swim only at lifeguard-protected beaches during lifeguard hours. Gateway's lifeguards protect certain beaches from 10 am through 6 pm. Other beaches do not have lifeguards. Be alert for strong ocean currents, powerful waves and underwater obstacles. If you cannot swim, please do not go into the water.
If caught in arip current
Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline.
When out of the current, swim towards the shore.
If you cannot swim out of the current, float or calmly tread water.
If you cannot reach the shore, draw attention to yourself - wave your arms and yell for help.
If you see someone in trouble - get help. Get a lifeguard or, if there is no lifeguard on duty, call dispatch at (718) 354-4700.
Keep children within easy reach. Be aware of changing tides and weather conditions. Watch for unexpected large waves that wash further up the shore. NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN !
Here is a water safety video featuring our 2015 Student Conservation Association interns Roger Torres, Marlen Paredes and Richard Llanos. Although it focuses on Sandy Hook Unit, the message is just as fresh for all beaches at Gateway. Here's the video en Español.
General beach safety:
Wear sun protection.
No glass containers are allowed on beaches.
Sand collapses easily. Do not climb slopes and dunes or dig holes deeper than knee level.
Stay close to the shore where rescuers can reach you.
