SIB Ocean Rescue and Hurricane Season
By William “Chip” Pfeiffer and Justin Broman, Lead Lifeguards

Hurricane season has begun and here are some helpful hints from the Ocean Rescue team. When a hurricane hits our coastline or within the area you can expect very rough surf, strong winds and very fierce rip currents.

When there are dangerous “high” hazards in effect a City ordinance gives Sunny Isles Beach Ocean Rescue the power to close the beach and waters to all patrons. This would mean not allowing surfing or swimming, and – if winds are too strong – possibly closing the beaches altogether. As per Ordinance No. 2005-237 during dangerous water conditions, those swimming, surfing, fishing or water skiing in the ocean are subject to arrest.

How will you know if the beaches are closed? Check the flags at the lifeguard towers, which all have a flag system. If you see a double red flag flying, that means the beach is closed – the solid red flag means ‘high hazards,’ and the other red flag with the ‘no swimming’ symbol means that the waters are closed to any activity.

After strong storms and hurricanes, a safety reminder to those beach walkers: be very careful where you walk and step. Storms blow in materials leaving deposit on our shorelines, some of which can be very dangerous, such as: broken wood with nails, sharp debris, glass from buildings, dead fish, and a lot of other unseen dangers items. For your safety wear proper footwear.

Make sure you take all the proper steps to prepare before a storm; and do what you can to stay safe during and after a storm.

Stay safe. Always swim near a lifeguard, and we hope to see you on the beach very soon.

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