JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – July 4th is Saturday, and it’s America’s 250th birthday, so it’s going to be a big one.
There are events all over the city and the surrounding area — some even starting Friday.
RELATED | America 250: Where you can watch fireworks, celebrate in your community
But for many Floridians, the plan is the same: going to the beach to enjoy the day, then watching the fireworks at night.
With crowds expected all across Florida’s beaches Friday through the weekend and lots of people getting into the water, safety is a big talking point.
To help you plan a fun, safe day, Maxwell Ervanian, Training and Operations Officer for Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue, joined us on The Morning Show to talk about what beachgoers should keep in mind before they hit the sand.
Be mindful of lifeguards, kids & conditions
Ervanian’s biggest advice is simple: be mindful of your surroundings.
That starts with knowing where the closest lifeguard is and choosing a spot where you can easily get help if needed.
It also means keeping a close eye on children in your group and paying attention to ocean conditions and weather.
“Please check your conditions before coming to the beach,” Ervanian said.
The ocean can change quickly
A holiday beach day can feel relaxing, but Ervanian said that’s exactly when people can let their guard down.
“The beach is a great place to enjoy your days off… but we have to be mindful that the ocean conditions are constantly changing,” he said.
Even if the water looks calm when you arrive, surf, wind and currents can shift throughout the day.
Swim with a buddy & near a lifeguard
Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue stations lifeguards up and down the shoreline, including a watchtower at headquarters near the end of Beach Boulevard.
If you plan to get into the water, Ervanian recommends two key habits:
- Swim near a lifeguard
- Swim with a buddy
If someone runs into trouble, having another person nearby can make a critical difference — whether that’s helping someone get attention or quickly alerting a lifeguard.
Talk to your kids before you hit the sand
Crowded holiday beaches can be overwhelming — especially for kids.
Ervanian says families should have a quick safety conversation before the first towel goes down.
His advice:
- Tell kids it’s OK to go to a lifeguard if they can’t find the adults they came with.
- Encourage families to introduce kids to the lifeguard when they arrive.
That quick introduction can help children feel more comfortable asking for help if they get separated.
Know what flags mean & don’t wave them off
Ocean conditions can change quickly, and flag warnings are one way rescue crews communicate risk to beachgoers.
Ervanian noted that Jacksonville Beach was flying a red flag on Friday, citing choppy conditions and a powerful shore break.
He said conditions and flags can change, and beachgoers should stay alert for updates. Never assume it is safe to swim if there’s no flag. Here’s what the different colors mean:
- Green Flag - Calm Ocean Conditions. Swim near a lifeguard.
- Yellow Flag - Moderate Ocean Conditions. Waves, long-shore currents, and rip currents are present; danger may increase greatly depending on tide and/or location. Check with your lifeguard before entering the water.
- Red Flag - Dangerous Ocean Conditions. Persistent large waves, strong long-shore current, strong rip currents.
- Double Red Flag - No water activity allowed. Water is closed.
- Purple Flag - Dangerous Marine Life Present. Although there is always dangerous marine life in the ocean, when the purple flag is seen flown, bathers should be alert that there is an influx of dangerous marine life at the time.
For more information on ocean condition flags, visit the Jacksonville Beach Safety Tips page.
If you hear a whistle, look — and follow directions
Lifeguards may use whistles and hand signals to get swimmers’ attention, especially if someone is drifting toward a dangerous area.
Ervanian’s advice:
- If a lifeguard is whistling and pointing toward you, follow the hand motion.
- If you’re not sure whether the lifeguard is signaling you, get out of the water and ask.
And before you enter the ocean, he says it’s always smart to ask:
- Where is the safest place to swim today?
- Are there any areas we should avoid?
“Ask the lifeguard where the best place to swim is, where the safest place to swim is,” Ervanian said.
Quick beach-safety checklist for July 4 weekend
Before you head out, consider this quick checklist:
- Pick a spot near a lifeguard
- Keep children within arm’s reach and set a clear family meeting point
- Check weather (heat, storms, wind) and plan water breaks
- Look for beach warning flags and posted advisories
- Swim with a buddy — and listen for whistles/hand signals
If you’re headed out to celebrate, rescue crews say the goal is simple: enjoy the beach — and make it home safe.