What to know if you’re going to the beach in San Diego Memorial Day weekend
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — As a record-breaking number of people are expected to be traveling for Memorial Day, there are sure to be crowds at the summer hot spots throughout San Diego.
While there are many things to do this Memorial Day weekend, from fireworks and concerts to sports games and Memorial Day festivals, San Diego has over two dozen beaches to choose from when planning your long weekend. From Oceanside to South Bay, there’s some important things to know about spending time on local beaches.
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Beaches
Lifeguards are stationed year-round at eight beaches along the City of San Diego’s 17-miles of coast: Ocean Beach, South Mission Beach, Mission Beach, North Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach, Children’s Pool, La Jolla Cove, and La Jolla Shores.
Lifeguards are on duty at San Diego beaches from 9 a.m. to dusk. During the summer, the City says more lifeguards will be stationed at seasonal lifeguard towers.
The water temperature this weekend will be in the 60s, according to NOAA.
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Whether you’re a visitor or a San Diego native, it’s important to know it’s advised to never swim alone in the ocean and to only swim in guarded areas.
Pay attention to any signs posted on beaches, they can be informational and/or advise of any current hazards and regulations.
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When going into the ocean in Southern California, don’t forget to do “The Stingray Shuffle.” The City of Carlsbad says in this video that stingrays spend a lot of time foraging for sand crabs in the shallow waters near the shore and will sting you if stepped on. So in order to avoid stepping on stingrays, shuffle your feet along the sand as you enter the water.
Rip currents can happen at any moment. To get out of one, you can swim parallel to shore until you feel the current relax, then swim to shore.
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It may seem intuitive, but Southern California has lots of sun, so wear sunscreen and drink lots of water if you’re planning to spend any significant amount of time outside.
View more tips on summer safety from the City of San Diego here.
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Surfing
San Diego beaches are divided into swimming and surfing zones by a black and yellow flag.
For surfers wanting to hit the water, the City of Del Mar recommends a 3/2 full suit for surfers the winter months and trunks for the summer months because of the ocean temperatures. View information on surfing in Del Mar here.
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Visit California lists Windansea Beach in La Jolla, Swami’s in Encinitas, and Trestles (San Onofre State Beach) in San Clemente among “12 Awesome Surfing Spots” in the state.
Beach fires
Firepits can be found along San Diego beaches and are available on a first-come, first-served basis until midnight. The City only allows wood, charcoal or paper products to be burned, and it must be extinguished before you leave. All beach fires must be in a designated fire ring.
Dog regulations
According to the City, dogs are not allowed on beaches, boardwalks or adjacent parks between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 1 through Oct. 31. They are, however, allowed at Dog Beach, adjacent to Ocean Beach, and Fiesta Island in Mission Bay. Service dogs are an exception.
Learn more about the many beaches San Diego County has to offer online here.
On May 17, Mayor Todd Gloria presented a special proclamation declaring May as Prevent Drowning and Water Safety Month in the City of San Diego.
For those planning on other water activities like boating or fishing over Memorial Day weekend, the City of San Diego has boating regulations and boating safety tips you can find online.
Fishing
For anyone planning to fish over the holiday weekend, you do not need a fishing license to fish from the pier if signs say it is permitted, but catch regulations are still enforced.
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California’s Free Fishing Days are also approaching on Saturday, July 6, and Saturday, Aug. 31 this year. Learn more about fishing in the City of San Diego online here.
Boating Safety
The U.S. Coast Guard is offering boating safety tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend:
Always wear a properly fitted life jacket
Don’t drink and boat
Keep a VHF radio for emergencies
Take a boating safety course
Get a vessel safety check
Check weather and tides before you leave
Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
Dress for the water temperature, not for the weather
Know your navigation rules
Attaching locator beacons to boats and life jackets can help first responders find you faster
Label kayaks and paddlecraft
Keep an eye out for sneaker waves and rip currents
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Large Groups
Finally, keep in mind that gatherings of more than 50 people requires a permit from the San Diego Park & Recreation Department, according to the City of San Diego.
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Permits are also required for all weddings, water events, athletic events, voice and/or music amplification or use of special setup equipment (inflatable party jump, dunk tank, canopy, etc.)
The City says to contact the Parks and Recreation Department for permits or more information.
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