Florida Beach Vacation

Ok, this is what I love about living in Central Florida.... I get to choose some of the best beach vacations in the world!

No matter where you stay in Central Florida you are only within a short drive to either Florida's East Coast or Florida's Gulf Coast. While visiting Florida's East Coast Beaches I can watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean and hear the deep roar as the waves crash along the shore.

Or I can drive in the opposite direction and watch the sun set along the Gulf and enjoy some of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in the world.

While visiting Florida's Gulf Coast Beaches.

It really doesn't matter which side you choose just make sure you take some of exploring-central-florida.com's tips with you!

* Beach Tip: These Bahama Towels are amazing for the beach! They are large and comfy and the sand comes off easily.

How To Make Your Beach Day Safe and Enjoyable

Rid Currents

Rip Currents

Rip currents are the most threatening natural hazard along our coast. They pull victims away from the beach. The United States Lifesaving Association has found that 80% of the rescues effected by ocean lifeguards involve saving those caught in rip currents.

A rip current is a seaward moving current that circulates water back to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Each wave accumulates water on shore creating seaward pressure. This pressure is released in an area with the least amount of resistance which is usually the deepest point along the ocean floor. Rip currents also exist in areas where the strength of the waves are weakened by objects such as rock jetties, piers, natural reefs, and even large groups of bathers. Rip currents often look like muddy rivers flowing away from shore.

Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called "rip tides" or "undertows." These are misnomers. Rip currents are not directly associated with tides and they do not pull people under. Try to avoid swimming where rip currents are present, but if you become caught in a one, swim parallel to the shore until the pull stops and then swim back to shore. If you are unable to return to the beach, tread water and wave for lifeguard assistance.

Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Rip currents often exist along the side of fixed objects in the water. Be aware of ocean conditions. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water.

For more information regarding rip currents, visit the NOAA website

* Always swim directly in front of a Lifeguard.

* The 10 mph speed limit is strictly enforced. Violators will be fined $41 and up.

* Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed.

* Pets are not allowed on the beach except guide dogs accompanying visually impaired persons or hearing ear dogs accompanying hearing impaired persons.

* Music or noise which can be heard from more than 50 feet of the source is illegal.

* It is illegal to disturb dune vegetation.

* Driving or parking in the conservation zone is prohibited.

* Personal watercraft operators must stay in the proper zones and wear a helmet at all times.

Protect the Environment... Keep Our Beaches Beautiful

* Don't disturb a turtle that is crawling to or from the ocean or laying eggs. Watch from a distance.

* Avoid shining lights on the beach at night as this may frighten away nesting females and interfere with the baby turtles' ability to find the sea.

* Avoid walking or cycling in places posted as nesting areas.

* Immediately report any injured or dead sea turtle to the nearest Beach Safety employee.

* Do not disturb markers or protective screening over turtle nests. These nests are being studied and protected.

* Avoid walking on the dunes along the beach.

* Don't disturb nesting sea birds

* Don't litter. Dispose of all trash and take all items with you when you leave. Cigarette butts, fishing line and other trash can harm the animals and birds along the beach.

* spread the word about environment-friendly habits on the beach.

Warning Flags

Warning Flags are posted at the entrances to the public beaches. Please determine meaning of symbols based on this Florida chart. The warnings are to protect you and your family.

Skin Care at the Beach

The Florida sun is a wonderful thing, especially at the beach. The cool ocean breezes make the temperature always pleasant. The combination of the sunshine overhead and the reflection of the sun on the sand and water can cause severe damage to your skin.

During the summer months, the sun's rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Always wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

For maximum effectiveness, sunscreen should be applied 30 to 60 minutes before your first exposure to the sun. This allows the sunscreen time to penetrate your skin. Perspiration reduces the effectiveness of sunscreen, and even waterproof products eventually are washed away by perspiration and swimming.

So always remember to continuously reapply your sunscreen. You don't want the rest of your vacation to be ruined by a sunburn!

Florida East Coast Beaches

Florida Gulf Coast Beaches

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