How to Sidestep the Shore’s Little Hazards

How Bare?--Be aware that clothing is not optional.

Police issue citations for indecent exposure, a misdemeanor offense. You can try to pretend you’re a European who didn’t know any better. Or frequent Pirate’s Cove or Big Dume Beach in Malibu or Venice Beach at the southern end of Ocean Front Walk where people seem to get away with a little less swimming suit a little more often.

Safe Sunning--Yes, the sun does irreparable damage to the skin. For anyone who thinks it’s not macho to wear sunscreen, consider that Southern California lifeguards wear lotions with a Sun Protection Factor of 22.

Riptides--The Los Angeles County Lifeguard Assn. estimates that lifeguards make an average of 15,000 rescues a year, 90% of them riptide-related. To “read” the water for riptides, look for spots that appear lighter in color because of all the sand boiling around. Trying to swim in a riptide is “like running on a treadmill,” said Capt. Gary Crum, division administrative head of L.A. County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors. If you’re caught, do not swim straight toward shore. Swim parallel until you’re out of the rip current. Raise your hand to signal distress, and relax.

Calm Surf--If you’re going to the beach with young children or elderly companions and want gentler surf, Corral State Beach (in Malibu), Redondo, and Cabrillo beaches all have calm sections. Marina del Rey boasts “Swimmer’s Beach” that lifeguards say is 100% flat water.

Sharks--One danger you generally don’t have to worry about is sharks. Crum said there hasn’t been a shark attack in Santa Monica Bay in modern history. That’s typical, Crum said, of the entire Southern California coastline.

Private Beaches--Most private beaches are clearly marked (especially in Malibu). The public has the right to walk along private beaches below the mean high-tide line. A good rule of thumb is to stroll where the sand is wet. But so-called passive uses of the private beaches, such as sitting on the sand, sunbathing or taking a dip, are not allowed. So keep moving until you’re in public territory.

Noise--The best thing about beaches is that they throw together people of drastically different ages, backgrounds and ethnic persuasions. So prepare to exercise tolerance if the spot where you’ve chosen to sit is midway between two competing heavy-metal rock stations, or a truck with speakers on the roof is spitting out an ear-splitting mix of sambas and congas.