No Lifeguards at Assateague This July 4th Weekend

Worcester County, MD - Planning a trip to Assateague Island this Independence Day weekend? Worcester County officials want you to know something important first.

There are currently no lifeguards on duty at the Maryland side of Assateague Island National Seashore.

With the holiday weekend bringing crowds to Eastern Shore beaches, county officials are urging extra caution for anyone planning to swim. The Atlantic Ocean always carries risks, and those risks go up when there's no lifeguard watching the water.

If you want the extra safety of a guarded beach, officials suggest heading to Assateague State Park or Ocean City instead. Both offer lifeguard coverage during the holiday weekend rush.

Worcester County shared several safety tips for anyone heading into the water this weekend.

Here's what they want beachgoers to keep in mind:

• Swim only at guarded beaches whenever possible.
• If you cannot swim, do not enter the ocean.
• Know your swimming abilities and stay within your limits.
• Learn to recognize and respond to rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain calm, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are free of the current, and then return to shore.
• Remember that ocean conditions differ significantly from pools and lakes, with strong currents, powerful waves, and submerged hazards.
• Never turn your back on the ocean, as unexpected waves can quickly knock you off your feet.
  
  

Rip currents are one of the biggest hazards on unguarded beaches. They can pull even strong swimmers away from shore fast. Staying calm and swimming parallel to the beach is the safest way to break free.

It's also worth remembering that ocean swimming is nothing like a pool or lake. Waves and currents can catch you off guard in seconds. Keeping an eye on the water at all times is one of the simplest ways to stay safe.

Worcester County says it appreciates the public's cooperation as more visitors arrive for the summer season. Officials are asking everyone to make safety their top priority while enjoying the county's beaches. A little extra caution can go a long way toward a safe holiday weekend.

Heading to Assateague this weekend? Plan ahead, know before you go, and consider a guarded beach if you'll be swimming.