Beach Safety

Florida's Space Coast

Beach Safety

Things to Remember for Your Beach Trip

The beaches of Florida’s Space Coast are a top destination for visitors and why so many great people call this slice of paradise home. And while the tranquil shores beckon people year after year, there are some pretty important things to keep in mind when you make your way to the beaches of the Space Coast.

Take it from us, you do not want your vacation ruined by a sunburn or not paying attention to beach safety warnings. Check out a few of the most important things you should be aware of to stay safe, be mindful, and enjoy your fun in the sun on Florida’s Space Coast. We can’t wait to see you!

ALWAYS SWIM NEAR A LIFEGUARD

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on Space Coast beaches, always swim near a lifeguard. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from with many year-round and seasonal lifeguard stations at beachfront parks across the Space Coast.

Always check to see that a lifeguard is on duty. When lifeguards are present, designated swimming areas are clearly marked with signs placed at the north (75 Yards) and south (75 Yards) boundaries of the guarded section of beach. These signs help swimmers identify the safest area to remain within view of lifeguards.

Permanent locations

Lifeguards are stationed at these locations from 10 am – 5 pm daily.

Cocoa Beach Pier – Cocoa Beach
Alan Shepard Park – Cocoa Beach
Lori Wilson Park – Cocoa Beach
Minutemen Causeway – Cocoa Beach
Paradise/Howard E. Futch Park – N. Indialantic
Indialantic Boardwalk – Indialantic
Spessard Holland Park (North)– Melbourne Beach
Jetty Park – Port Canaveral (Not Operated by Brevard County Fire Rescue)

a family under an umbrella at Cocoa Beach

SEASONALLY GUARDED BEACHES – – all will open no later than 19 June, 2026

Cheri Down Park – Cape Canaveral
North Cocoa Beach Pier – Cocoa Beach
Fischer Park – Cocoa Beach
James H. Nance Park/Boardwalk – Indialantic
Ocean Ave– Melbourne Beach
Spessard Holland Park – S Melbourne Beach

Seasonal tower operation schedule:

June 19th through the first week of August: Daily
After the first week of August through Labor Day: Weekends only

Lifeguard Station Map

Respect the ocean

Beach Flag Warning

Beaches on the Space Coast are equipped with Beach Flags at many popular lifeguarded beach accesses. These flags let you know what the overall conditions in the surf are. Whenever you’re entering the ocean, you are doing so at your own risk; however, it’s good to take a look at this flag, so you can make the best decision.

If you see the red flags up, the chances of a rip current being present are high. Rip currents are narrow currents of water that move directly away from the shore, cutting through the lines of breaking waves like a river running out to sea. These can be dangerous because they are very strong and can pull you out to sea as well.

Rip Currents

Rip currents can also happen suddenly and without warning. If you do find yourself pulled into a rip current, it’s important to stay calm and stay afloat. Try to shout back to shore and get a lifeguard’s attention. Eventually, the current will lessen, and you’ll be able to swim out. Make sure to swim parallel to the beach line until you feel you’re out of the rip current before you turn back to shore. This way, you won’t exhaust yourself, and you can let the waves help propel you back to the safety of the sand.

Always closely supervise and swim with your children in the ocean!

If you see someone struggling in the water, call 911

To check current beach conditions, please check NOAA’s Beach Forecast.

Check Beach Conditions

Sun Exposure

You came to the beach for fun in the sun, however too much of a good thing is never a good thing. Too many travelers have had their vacations ruined by a nasty sunburn on the first day of the Florida Vacation. Don’t be “that guy” that ruins their vacation by getting a bad sunburn on the first day!

Wear Sun Protection

Whether it’s sunscreen or UV-blocking clothing, making sure your skin has some reprieve from the sun is essential for a Space Coast Beach day. Remember to reapply sunscreens after you’ve been in the water or after a few hours in the sun. and DO NOT FORGET THE TOPS OF YOUR FEET. Hats and sunglasses also provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Bring Shade

While the sea breeze keeps temperatures cooler beachside, if you’re planning on spending the whole day at the beach renting an umbrella or cabana is a very good idea. There are plenty of umbrella rental operations set up along the coast, and also plenty of beach shops, so you’ll be able to snag one for a last-minute souvenir of necessity.

Bring Cool Water and Snacks

Make sure you’ve got plenty of water for your beach day too. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can happen easily on a beach day. A small cooler with a few bottles of water and a little ice will go a long way. And, if you’re in Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach or Melbourne Beach, you’re never far from a watering hole featuring cold drinks and tasty treats!

Mind the Wildlife

The Space Coast is home to many different kinds of wildlife. For the sake of safety, it’s good to know about a few creatures to watch out for while at the beach.

Jellyfish and the Portuguese Man-o-War

Whatever you do, do not touch this interesting creature; it’s very poisonous. The sting from a Portuguese Man-of-War packs a punch. Sometimes hidden by their translucent color or tentacles tucked within patches of seaweed, Portuguese Man-o-Wars blend into their surroundings. Even if the creature is dead and washed up on the beach, its tentacles can still sting you. Stings from jellyfish or Man-o-War are typically not lethal; however, they are painful, and severe allergic reactions can happen in some cases.

If stung, it is best to rinse the area with vinegar. Avoid using fresh water to rinse, as that can further activate any residual stingers or pieces of tentacle still on the skin. After rinsing, it is encouraged to immerse the area with hot water of at least 113° or apply a hot pack for around 45 minutes. If a headache or any other pain or swelling happens outside of the area that was stung, it is important to let a lifeguard know immediately or call 911 as there might be a potential allergic reaction.