Beach Safety Guide

Nantucket's unique geography creates distinctly different swimming conditions depending on which side of the island you visit. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right beach for your swimming ability and preferences.

North Shore vs. South Shore

The island's beaches are broadly divided into two categories with very different characteristics:

North Shore Beaches

Beaches facing Nantucket Sound (Jetties, Dionis, Children's Beach, Brant Point) offer:

• Calmer waters: Protected from open ocean swells by Cape Cod
• Warmer temperatures: Typically 5-10 degrees warmer than south shore
• Gentler waves: Usually under 2 feet, ideal for children and casual swimmers
• Gradual depth: Shallow water extends further from shore
• Less undertow: Minimal rip current risk in most conditions

South Shore Beaches

Beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean (Surfside, Cisco, Madaket, Nobadeer) present:

• Open ocean conditions: Direct exposure to Atlantic swells
• Larger waves: Often 3-6 feet, can reach 8+ feet during storms
• Cooler water: Colder currents from the open Atlantic
• Stronger currents: Higher risk of rip currents and undertow
• Steeper drop-offs: Depth increases more quickly

Currents and Tides

Ocean currents around Nantucket are influenced by tides, wind, and weather patterns:

• Tidal range: Approximately 3-4 feet between high and low tide
• Longshore currents: Parallel-to-shore currents can pull swimmers sideways along the beach
• Offshore winds: Can push floating objects (and swimmers on floats) away from shore quickly
• Post-storm conditions: Currents are typically stronger for 24-48 hours after storms

Water Temperatures

Nantucket's water temperatures vary significantly by season and location:

• June: 55-62°F (north shore warmer)
• July: 62-68°F
• August: 65-72°F (peak warmth)
• September: 62-68°F

North shore beaches can be 5-10 degrees warmer than south shore beaches on the same day. Water temperature affects how long you can safely swim before hypothermia risk increases.

Rip currents are the number one hazard at Nantucket's ocean beaches, responsible for most beach rescues nationwide. Understanding how to identify and escape them could save your life.

What is a Rip Current?

A rip current is a powerful, channeled current of water flowing away from shore. They form when water pushed onto the beach by waves finds a channel to flow back out to sea. Rip currents can:

• Flow at speeds of 4-8 feet per second
• Pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore
• Extend 200-300 feet from the beach
• Be 50-100 feet wide

How to Identify Rip Currents

Before entering the water, observe the surf for several minutes and look for:

• Discolored water: A channel of churning, sandy, or darker water extending seaward
• Foam or debris: Moving steadily out to sea in a line
• Gap in waves: An area where waves aren't breaking while they break on both sides
• Rippled surface: An area that looks different from the surrounding water

Preventing Rip Current Incidents

• Swim at lifeguarded beaches whenever possible
• Never swim alone
• Check conditions before entering the water
• Stay in waist-deep water if you're not a strong swimmer
• Avoid swimming near jetties, piers, and sandbars
• If in doubt, stay out

Several Nantucket beaches have seasonal lifeguard coverage. Swimming at these beaches significantly increases your safety, especially for families with children.

Beaches with Lifeguards

When Lifeguards Aren't Present

• Lifeguards typically work late June through Labor Day weekend
• Most beaches are unguarded before and after this period
• Coverage hours are generally 10 AM to 5 PM only
• Early morning and evening swimming is at your own risk
• Remote beaches (Madaket, Great Point) never have lifeguards

Lifeguarded beaches use a flag system to communicate water conditions. Always check the flags before entering the water.

Flag Colors and Meanings

• Green Flag: Low hazard - calm conditions, exercise normal caution
• Yellow Flag: Medium hazard - moderate surf and/or currents, use caution
• Red Flag: High hazard - dangerous conditions, strong currents, swimming discouraged
• Purple Flag: Marine life hazard - jellyfish, sharks, or other dangerous marine life present
• Double Red Flags: Water closed to swimming - do not enter the water

Additional Warning Signs

• Posted signs at beach entrances indicate specific hazards
• Shark warning signs are posted when there are confirmed sightings
• Temporary closures may occur due to water quality issues
• Listen for lifeguard whistle signals and announcements

Nantucket's coastal location means intense sun exposure. The combination of direct sunlight, reflection off sand and water, and ocean breezes that mask the heat makes sunburn a serious risk.

UV Exposure on the Island

• Reflective surfaces: Water and sand reflect up to 80% of UV rays, nearly doubling exposure
• Ocean breeze effect: Cooling winds mask the sensation of burning
• Peak hours: UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM
• Overcast days: Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds - you can burn even on cloudy days
• Altitude of sun: Summer sun at Nantucket's latitude is particularly intense

Sunscreen Recommendations

• SPF 30 minimum: SPF 50 recommended for extended beach days
• Broad spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Water resistant: Choose 80-minute water-resistant formulas
• Apply generously: Most people use only 25-50% of the recommended amount
• Reapply every 2 hours: More frequently if swimming or sweating
• Don't forget: Ears, tops of feet, back of knees, scalp (or wear a hat)
• Reef-safe options: Choose sunscreens without oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect marine life

Shade and Breaks

• Bring a beach umbrella or tent for shade
• Take lunch breaks indoors during peak sun hours
• Wear UV-protective clothing, especially for extended water activities
• Wide-brimmed hats protect face, ears, and neck
• Polarized sunglasses protect eyes from reflected glare
• Stay hydrated - dehydration increases heat-related illness risk

Nantucket offers wonderful beaches for families, but children require extra vigilance around water. Choose beaches appropriate for their age and swimming ability.

Best Beaches for Children

• Children's Beach: Calm harbor waters, playground, in-town location - ideal for toddlers
• Jetties Beach: Gentle waves, lifeguards, playground, snack bar, rentals
• Dionis Beach: Warm, calm water with gentle slope - great for young swimmers

Safety Guidelines for Kids

• Constant supervision: Never take eyes off children near water
• Arm's reach: Stay within arm's reach of non-swimmers and toddlers
• Teach the buddy system: Children should always swim with a partner
• Establish boundaries: Set clear limits on how far they can go
• Use appropriate flotation: Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers
• Watch for fatigue: Tired children are at higher risk
• Teach about rip currents: Even children should know the basics

Water Safety Skills

Before your trip, ensure children can:

• Float on their back for at least 30 seconds
• Tread water for one minute
• Understand what to do if caught in a current
• Know to call for help if in trouble

Great white sharks have been increasingly sighted in waters around Cape Cod and Nantucket in recent years, drawn by the recovering seal population. While shark attacks are extremely rare, awareness and precautions are prudent.

Understanding the Risk

• Attacks are rare: Millions swim safely each year; attacks are extremely uncommon
• Seals attract sharks: Most sightings occur near seal colonies
• Great Point caution: The seal population near Great Point increases shark presence in that area
• Seasonal pattern: Sharks are most active June through October

Reducing Your Risk

• Avoid swimming near seals: If you see seals, exit the water or move away
• Don't swim at dawn or dusk: Sharks are more active during low-light hours
• Avoid murky water: Sharks may mistake swimmers for prey in poor visibility
• Stay in groups: Sharks more often approach solitary individuals
• Avoid shiny jewelry: Reflective surfaces can resemble fish scales
• Don't swim if bleeding: Sharks can detect blood from great distances
• Check the Sharktivity app: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy app shows recent sightings

If You See a Shark

• Stay calm and exit the water smoothly
• Alert lifeguards and other swimmers
• Report sightings to lifeguards or local authorities
• Do not approach or follow the shark

Marine stingers are occasionally present in Nantucket waters, particularly in late summer. While usually more nuisance than danger, knowing how to handle stings is important.

Jellyfish on Nantucket

• Lion's mane jellyfish: Large, reddish-brown with long tentacles - most common stinger
• Moon jellyfish: Translucent, mild sting or no sting at all
• Portuguese man-of-war: Rare but serious - blue float with long tentacles

Treating Jellyfish Stings

• Exit the water calmly
• Rinse with salt water (not fresh water)
• Remove visible tentacles with a towel or gloves - never bare hands
• Apply vinegar if available
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
• Seek medical attention for severe reactions, stings to face, or difficulty breathing

Sea Lice

Sea lice are actually tiny jellyfish larvae that can become trapped under swimsuits, causing an itchy rash called "seabather's eruption."

• More common in late summer
• Rash usually appears where swimsuit contacts skin
• Shower and change out of swimwear after swimming
• Treat rash with hydrocortisone cream
• See a doctor if rash is severe or accompanied by fever

Nantucket allows permitted vehicles on certain beaches, creating unique safety considerations for both drivers and beachgoers.

If You're Beach Driving

• Permit required: Obtain an Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) permit from the Town
• Air down tires: Reduce pressure to 12-15 PSI for sand driving
• Speed limits: Typically 10-15 MPH on beach areas
• Watch for pedestrians: Beachgoers, especially children, have the right of way
• Stay on designated routes: Don't drive on dunes or protected areas
• Carry recovery gear: Shovel, tow strap, jack board in case you get stuck

If You're Walking on Vehicle Beaches

• Be aware that vehicles may be present
• Keep children and pets close
• Set up beach camps away from vehicle lanes
• Listen for approaching vehicles
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing their path

Save these numbers in your phone before your trip. In any life-threatening emergency, always call 911 first.

Reporting Emergencies

• When calling 911, clearly state your location (beach name and nearest access point)
• Describe the nature of the emergency
• Stay on the line until the dispatcher says you can hang up
• Send someone to the beach entrance to guide emergency responders

Lifeguarded beaches have basic first aid capabilities during staffed hours.

First Aid at Beaches

• Jetties Beach: First aid station at lifeguard stand
• Surfside Beach: First aid available from lifeguards
• Children's Beach: First aid available from lifeguards

Bring Your Own First Aid Kit

For remote beaches or after-hours swimming, carry a basic kit including:

• Bandages and gauze
• Antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers (for splinters and jellyfish tentacles)
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Antihistamine (for allergic reactions)
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Sunburn relief gel

Nantucket beaches have rules designed to keep everyone safe and preserve the natural environment. Violations can result in fines.

Glass Prohibition

• No glass containers: Glass is prohibited on all Nantucket beaches
• Use plastic or cans: Transfer beverages to non-glass containers
• Safety reason: Broken glass in sand is dangerous and nearly impossible to clean up

Dog Restrictions

• Summer restrictions: Dogs prohibited on most public beaches from May 1 - October 1
• Hours vary: Some beaches allow dogs before 9 AM and after 6 PM
• Always leashed: Dogs must be leashed when on beaches
• Clean up: Owners must pick up after their dogs
• Dog-friendly options: Dionis and some remote beaches are more dog-friendly; check current rules

Alcohol Policies

• Technically prohibited: Alcohol consumption is not permitted on public beaches
• Discretion advised: Keep any beverages in cups, not visible branded containers
• No glass: This rule is strictly enforced regardless of contents
• Intoxication: Visibly intoxicated individuals may be asked to leave

Additional Rules

• Fires: Beach fires prohibited without a permit
• Camping: Overnight camping not permitted on beaches
• Littering: Pack out everything you bring in
• Dunes: Stay off dunes and respect fencing protecting vegetation
• Wildlife: Don't disturb nesting birds or seals
• Fireworks: Prohibited without special permit