Safety Today Lighthouses and lifesaving stations on the Cape are symbols of a long history of concern for people in distress. In that tradition, please observe these safety tips so your visit will be a pleasant one. Currents Swim only where lifeguards are on duty. Ocean swimming is not like swimming in a pool or lake. Strong littoral currents, rip currents, tidal currents near inlets, and shifting sand all can make swimming dangerous.
Winds can quickly blow air mattresses and other flotation devices out to sea.
Breaking waves can dislocate shoulders, and sand abrasions are not uncommon. Even broken necks and paralysis have resulted from riding the waves and being thrown into the sand head first. If this is your first visit to the ocean, please contact a lifeguard or park ranger for more information. The combination of bright sun, water, and sand can cause a burn quickly, so short periods of exposure and the use of protective waterproof lotions are recommended. Winter storms, or nor'easters, should not be taken lightly.