JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Memorial Day has arrived, which means plenty of people will be heading to the beach to soak up the sun and catch some waves.
But there is a rip current risk at Jacksonville Beach today, and Ocean Rescue is encouraging beachgoers to have fun and be safe about it.
Especially on holidays, when a lot more people will be out and about, parents are urged to keep an eye on their kids and remember that water safety is always a priority, like always swimming near a lifeguard.
Lifeguards and surf instructors in Jacksonville Beach say parents losing sight of children happens more often than they’d like to admit. In fact, Jax Beach Ocean Rescue reunited 74 missing people in 2024.
They hear parents asking if they’ve seen their kid, or they’ll find kids panicking and not knowing where their parents are, and they don’t know phone numbers or where they last saw their parents.
Here are some tips to keep in mind, especially with young kids:
Set up a perimeter, stay off phones and pay close attention. Consider having them wear lanyards or wrist bands with phone numbers on them. Have them wear bright colors (orange, yellow) to make them easier to spot.
Another good idea is to keep a recent photo of the child for identification purposes.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department pointed out that the Memorial Day holiday weekend falls within National Water Safety Month, making water awareness a top focus for JFRD and the Emergency Preparedness Division.
“Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and with that comes an increase in outdoor activity, water recreation, and grilling, said Director/Fire Chief Percy Golden II. “We want everyone to enjoy this holiday. That starts with making smart choices before an emergency ever happens.”
Water safety
Duval County is home to more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, making water safety one of JFRD’s most critical public safety priorities.
From the beach to the river, and even backyard pools, residents and visitors have no shortage of places to enjoy the water.
JFRD urges anyone taking advantage of these resources to treat that access with respect. If you plan to spend time in the water, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Never swim alone.
- Designate a responsible adult as a Water Watcher to monitor children.
- Swim near a lifeguard. Accidents can happen even to strong swimmers.
JFRD Ocean Rescue Lifeguards will be stationed at Hanna and Huguenot parks to help keep everyone safe.
Ocean Rescue says it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the color of the flag flying at the beach.
- Yellow = medium hazard.
- Red = high hazard.
The National Weather Service put out a rip current statement on Monday, which lasts through the day.
They recommend swimming near a lifeguard and not swimming against the current if you get caught in it. Make sure to relax and float.
RELATED: How to escape a rip current
Boating safety
If you are planning on boating this weekend, JFRD urges you to use the following tips to stay safe:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. (Wear it, don’t carry it!)
- Designate a sober skipper before you leave the dock.
- Make sure someone onshore knows your route and expected return time.
Grilling safety
Grilling is a Memorial Day tradition, but it can be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions. JFRD suggests that residents follow these simple steps to keep their cookouts from taking a wrong turn:
- Keep grills at least three feet away from structures, deck railings, and overhanging branches.
- Never leave a lit grill unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area at all times.
- Allow charcoal to cool completely before disposing of it. Never place hot coals in a trash can or near anything that can burn.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
- Never use a charcoal or propane grill indoors, in a garage, or under a covered patio.
Due to ongoing drought conditions, JFRD also reminds everyone to use extreme caution when cooking outdoors. It only takes one spark to ignite a fire that could quickly get out of control, dampening your holiday plans.
Holiday safety
With increased travel and outdoor activity expected throughout the weekend, JFRD and the Emergency Preparedness Division also remind the public to take precautions against heat and traffic-related hazards:
- Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day, especially if you are spending time outdoors during peak heat.
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles. Temperatures inside a car can reach dangerous levels within minutes.
- Know the signs of heat illness and when to seek medical help.
- Protect your skin from dangerous UV rays with sunblock, UV protective clothing, and hats.
- Designate a sober driver and plan your return trip before you head out.
JFRD’s Emergency Preparedness Division encourages all Jacksonville residents to visit JaxReady.com/ALERTJAX to sign up for Duval County ALERTJAX emergency notifications.