Is Clearwater Beach Ok To Swim? Some Rules & Guidelines

Yes Clearwater Beach is ok to swim in year round. If you are traveling to the beach you can check the Live Beach Webcam to see the current conditions. Unlike the Florida beaches to the north which are limited to the summer months the water here is warm enough to even use it in January. No Alcohol is allowed on the beach area.

Florida Beaches

Is Clearwater Beach Safe?

Clearwater Beach is safe if you follow the directions and rules posted. People can get injured at Clearwater Beach or St Pete Beach in ways other than swimming or while swimming in several ways. The first thing you should look for are the warning flags or safe to swim advisory flags near the lifeguard towers. Below are the colors and meanings.

• Two Red Flags - The Water Is Closed To The Public

• One Red Flag - Dangerous Currents And High Surf

• Yellow Flag - Medium Waves And Currents

• Green Flag - Low Hazard But Exercise Caution

• Blue Flag - Dangerous Marine Life (jellyfish sharks, stingrays etcetera)

Clearwater Beach Water Sports & Other Water Sports

There are many ways for local residents and visitors enjoy a beach vacation and the Gulf of Mexico waters are great for just about everything. Jet Skis and boats and are great to ride in the gulf but not allowed in the swimming area or safe bathing limit. The swimming only area is marked by buoys and extends westward from the high water line on the beach 300 feet into the Gulf of Mexico waters.

Swim Near Lifeguards & Don't Overestimate Your Abilities

I have yet to meet Aquaman or Aquawoman and until you have been in strong currents you just don't understand. Even experienced lifeguards in the lifeguard towers do not always spot rip tides. If you feel a current taking you out away from shore swimming directly against the current will not work.

Swim sideways parallel to the beach and you will make it out of the rip tide. Then swim at an angle away from the current and toward the beach to further distance yourself from it. Swimmers should always follow the latest safety advisory for Clearwater Beach, stay hydrated in the sun and of course wear sunscreen.

Paddleboarding, Skimboarding, Surfing & Windsurfing

These must be done outside the designated swim area. No hard surface objects are allowed because they are a danger to children and adults alike. However, these items may be done outside the swim zone and usually if you visit north of Somerset Street.

Water Quality & No Swim Advisory For Clearwater Beach

Although rare it is a possibility that red tide, fecal pollution, storm surge like in the recent hurricane Idalia can be a danger to your health. Access can be limited by these type of things at any beaches. There are federal standards and Pinellas County or the Florida Department of Health makes sure that conditions are within satisfactory levels.

Tips For Tourists To Aid Your Relaxing & Pleasant Experience

No pets are allowed unless they are service animals as defined by the city and state If they are then you will already know. Things happen at the beach just like everywhere else so try to visit in a group and keep an eye on your valuables.

If you must leave something in you car then make sure it is out of site. Property crime (theft) is a possibility. This beach is much safer than Miami on the east coast or many other beach sites but stuff can still happen.

Yellow Flags, Bad Weather & The Stingray Shuffle

I love the beach and like to target those yellow flag days for my visits. Medium surf is a perfect time for adults who can swim well but not for children. These days are common in August through the first part of October in beaches all over Tampa Bay.

Also during this period afternoon thunder storms are common. Don't wait until it gets scary. The old saying when it roars go indoors is usually the best guideline. I say, if you see lightning at all just go inside. There is a reason airports and military bases have safety guidelines for lightning and in Florida lightning is an issue.

Stingrays are a much greater risk than bacteria located in this area. I just stay away from them period but some are more open minded. They actually can injure you and are more likely to if you step on them or around them. Stay out of the water at night for many reasons but if you there are stingrays around shuffle your feat or drag your feet through the sand as you get out of the water. Doing the stingray shuffle may save you an injury.