Miami Beach - South Beach
Miami Beach Patrol Ocean Rescue
1001 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: (305) 673-7714
Miami Beach Patrol
currently stations 29 lifeguard stands from South Point Park up
to 85th Street. These stations are supported by lifeguard
personnel in four-wheel drive vehicles. Additional support is provided
by all-terrain cycles, a twenty-seven foot rescue vessel, and other
smaller jet-driven watercraft. All personnel are in contact with
each other by radio transmitters which have the capability of communicating
with the City's Police and Fire/Rescue departments.
Statewide beach warning
flag system
The following flags are posted on all lifeguard towers:
Green Flag:
Calm surf conditions, peligro bajo, condiciones calmas
Yellow Flag:
Moderate surf conditions, exercise caution, peligro medio resaca
moderada corrientes fuertes, tenga cuidado
Yellow Flag
with black jellyfish:
Portuguese man-of-war warning
Purple Flag:
Dangerous marine life , vida marina peligrosa
Red Flag: Strong
surf, strong currents, peligro alto, resaca alta corrientes fuertes
Read
more about rip currents...
Red Flag:
with line crossing out swimmer: Water closed to public,
agua cerrada al publico
Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish
At certain times of the year,
you'll see Miami Beach lifeguards warning swimmers that the ocean
is yielding a crop of Portuguese man-of-war; a pesky jellyfish that
floats above the water and can cause painful stings if touched.
Lifeguards will try to warn swimmers by flying a yellow
flag with a black jellyfish in front of the lifeguard stands,
but it's up to YOU to stay alert when you're in the water.
If you happen to get stung, here's some advice on what to
do:
- Pick off any tentacles with a gloved hand or stick
- Rinse the sting with salt or fresh water
- VERY IMPORTANT: Apply ammonia and water compress
liberally onto the sting
- Vinegar is NOT recommended for Portuguese man-of-war stings.
- Apply ammonia compress for 30 minutes or until pain is relieved.
If the victim has a large area involved (entire arm leg, face, or
genitals), is very young, very old, or shows any signs of generalized
illness or loss of breath, seek help from a doctor. Read
more about gettng stung...
South
Beach surf
characteristics
The best place to surf in South Beach is at 1st Street, next
to the jetty. When South Beach works, you'll find powerful, pitching
A-Frame waves. North swells are rare, but when its good the waves
are fast and hollow. South also picks up knee-head high wind swells
from a N-S wind direction.
- Wave quality: sloppy
- Frequency: breaks best from July to November
- Type: beach-break
- Direction: right and left
- Normal length: under 75ft
- Bottom: sandy
- Swell size: starts working at 1ft and holds
up to 10ft
- Swell direction: North, Northeast
- Wind: Northwest, West, Southwest
To check the waves, visit the Dade
County Surf Forecast.
Driving directions to
the Beach
From Eastbound on 395 to
Miami Beach Patrol Headquarters:
- At the end of 395 (A1A Causeway) becomes
5th Street.
- Continue East on 5th Street
8 blocks to Ocean Drive.
- Turn Left (North) on
Ocean Drive. Continue north 6 blocks.
- Beach Patrol Headquarters is located
at 1001 Ocean Drive
Gay-friendly beach at 12th Street
South Beach is very gay-friendly. You can find many gay and lesbian
people enjoying the sun in between 11th and 12th Street.
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