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Page With the many recent rip current-related accidents along the North Coast,
we ask that you please take the time to review the following information so
that you and your family can have a safe and fun time in Seaside.
The water off the coast of Seaside is very cold (average temperature 55° F). Wetsuits are needed for anyone wanting to swim or surf in the ocean. It is also important to know your swimming abilities and never swim out farther than you can swim back. Keep in mind that even the strongest swimmer can succumb to a rip current. Swimming near the lifeguard station and with a friend is always a good idea. Do not swim under the influence and never rely on floatation devices such as rafts.
If you ever find yourself caught in a rip current, DO NOT PANIC. Instead of fighting the current and trying to swim straight towards the shore, SWIM PARALLEL TO THE SHORE until you are free from the current. If you fight the current, you will tire very quickly. Instead, it is best to remain calm, conserve your energy and swim sideways. Areas of rip currents are like powerful funnels, drawing water out to sea ... but on either side of these "funnels" the current will not be as strong.
Even when the tide is going out, "sneaker" waves can unexpectedly surge high up onto the beach, knock adults and children off their feet, and pull them out to sea. If you get caught in a rip current, don't panic or struggle. Swim sideways, parallel to the beach, and call for help.
It is also wise to check the current tide table before heading to the beach. Tide levels can vary dramatically on the wide beach of Seaside - even normal minus tides can make the ocean seem unusually far away. One of the warning signs of a TSUNAMI is for the tide to pull out suddenly and dramatically. Knowing what the current tide SHOULD look like (based on tide table predictions) may help you to distinguish between a normal low/minus tide and the possible warning signs of an approaching tsunami.
Waves are extremely powerful and can easily move massive drift logs, causing them to roll and possibly crush or injure a person. Cliffs and steep embankments are often rocky and unstable, and attempts to climb them have resulted in injury and death. Always stay on the trails, away from cliff edges, and carefully supervise children at all times.
Dispose of any trash in the proper receptacles. Plastic bags and other trash items severely injure and kill birds and other wildlife, so if there is no trash can nearby, you need to pack it out of the area with you. Pet owners should always clean up after their pets - free pickup bags are located along the promenade.
Please respect our local wildlife. Do not touch injured birds or mammals - report such cases to the Seaside Police (503)738-6311, Seaside Aquarium (503)738-6211, or contact the Wildlife Center of the North Coast (rehab facility) by paging them at (503) 338-3954.
At times seals may be encountered along the beach. Never approach such animals, and if you have a dog, take extra precautions to keep them under control. You can contact the Seaside Police or Aquarium (numbers above) so that they can help keep the public from harassing the animal. However, please note that during the Spring, seal pups are often left on the beach while the mother seal is out hunting in the ocean. These seal pups are not abandoned, the mother will return shortly.
When hiking, always stay on the developed trails and refrain from taking "short cuts." Wandering off of the trails causes soil erosion, damage to native plants, and disturbs wildlife, including nesting birds.