Summer Fun at City Beaches

City of Norfolk Beach Patrol Lifeguards are on duty Saturday, May 23, through Monday, September 7, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Beach Patrol Lifeguards respond to land and water emergencies along the 7.5 miles of beach stretching from Willoughby to East Ocean View. To reach Lifeguard Headquarters, call 757-441-1775.

Lifeguards are trained in the following areas:

Beach Rules

  1. No alcoholic beverages, littering, glass containers, fires or vehicles permitted on the beach at any time. Alcoholic beverages may be allowed at festival parks by permit only.
  2. No dogs or domestic animals allowed on the beaches from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April 15 to September 30. It is unlawful for owners to permit animals to defecate on public property without removal and disposal of feces in a proper manner. During allowable times, dogs and other animals must be on a leash.
  3. Skateboards, skates and bicycles are not permitted on beach access ways or ramps. Bicycles are permitted on roads and parking lots.
  4. Residential use of beach trash receptacles is strictly prohibited.
  5. Loud music or disturbing noises may be regulated.
  6. Failure to comply with police officers, lifeguards or any designee of the City of Norfolk may result in legal action and/or removal from premises.
  7. Illegal activities, use of profanity and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
  8. Vending, advertising, and distributing cards, leaflets, pamphlets, brochures and like materials is unlawful except by permit.
  9. All motor vehicles shall be parked only in established and indicated parking areas, or in other areas at such times as City of Norfolk officials or police may designate. Speed limit is 15 MPH or posted limit.
  10. Avoid rock break-waters and wooden jetties, as they may be hazardous.
  11. Do not swim or wade out more than 50 yards from shore, or beyond swim area buoys.
  12. Do not swim when red flags are posted. Please use caution when yellow flags are posted.
  13. Keep areas around and in front of lifeguard stands clear for emergency entries and response.
  14. No head-first entries into the water, as they may result in head, neck and back injuries.
  15. Do not distract lifeguards engaged in surveillance duties.

Beach Safety Tips

  1. Swim near a lifeguard and obey posted rules and signs.
  2. Parents, watch your children at all times.
  3. Ask the lifeguard about dangerous water or weather conditions.
  4. To avoid injury, stay away from piers, pilings and jetties.
  5. Beware of dangerous marine life that may be present in open water. Avoid if possible.
  6. Never swim during electrical storms. Clear the beach immediately at the first sound of thunder or flash lightening.
  7. Watch for dangerous waves or rip currents. Obey warning flags when posted.
  8. If caught in a rip current, do not try to swim against it. You may call for help and/or swim parallel to shore and then to safety.
  9. Never dive into waves head first.
  10. When body surfing, always keep your arms out in front of you to protect your head and neck.
  11. Protect you skin by using sun screen – reapply regularly. Also wear hats, sunglasses and clothing to protect you from the sun.
  12. Drink of water while enjoying the sun and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.
  13. Extended breath-holding activities are dangerous.
  14. Be aware of submerged hazards.
  15. Use protective footwear when necessary.
  16. Call a lifeguard for help or dial 911 when lifeguards are not on duty.

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