Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s ocean lifeguards are certified through the United States Lifesaving Association. 

The USLA is a nonprofit professional association of lifeguards and open water rescuers whose purpose is to set guard training standards, create lifesaving programs, and reduce injury through public education.

The USLA has created the following nine safety tips for swimming and recreating near the water:

§         Learn to swim.

§         Swim near a lifeguard.

§         NEVER swim alone.

§         Don’t fight the current.

§         Swim sober.

§         Don’t float where you can’t swim.

§         Life jackets = Boating Safety

§         NEVER dive headfirst - protect your neck.

§         At home, you are the lifeguard.

Safety First

§         Ocean and inlet currents can be dangerous.

§         Swimming outside the designated area or when lifeguards are not on duty is dangerous and highly discouraged.  Areas outside the designated swimming zone are unguarded.

§         ALWAYS obey the lifeguard’s instruction.

§         Only swim to chest level.

§         NEVER swim alone.

§         Always watch your children.  If your child is missing, notify a lifeguard or staff member immediately.

Flag System

The display of a yellow flag means swim with caution. 

There is the possibility of dangerous surf, dangerous sea life, or rip currents.

The display of a purple flag means that marine pests are present (e.g. jellyfish, stingrays, and Portuguese Man-O-War).  This is not intended to be used to notify of the presence of sharks.

The display of a red flag means the water is CLOSED due to an emergency, inclement weather, dangerous currents or water conditions, water spouts, or dangerous sea life.  Absolutely NO SWIMMING.

Air Horn System

§         1 Short Blast gets the attention of a patron who is out too far or in danger of getting into trouble.  It is also a signal to stop horseplay in the ocean or on the beach that could lead to injury.

§         2 Blasts gets the attention of a staff member or gets the attention of the jet skis, boats, etc. that are threatening the safety of swimmers.

§         1 Long Blast from the air horn clears the water immediately due to emergency, inclement weather, or dangerous currents.  At the end of the day, one long blast signals the closing of the park and lifeguards are off duty for the day.