With Fourth of July weekend underway, beach communities along the Texas Gulf Coast are ramping up safety measures to protect holiday visitors.
Galveston deploys 30 lifeguards
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On Galveston Island, the Galveston Island Beach Patrol will have 30 lifeguards stationed along the beach. Officials are urging beachgoers to stay away from the rocks while swimming.
Surfside relies on police, rescue standby
Surfside Beach will take a different approach to holiday safety. Police Chief Phillip Hester said the city will have 28 officers patrolling the beach, though no lifeguards will be on duty.
“There will be no lifeguards,” Hester said. “There will be 28 police officers on the beach ensuring public safety.”
Earlier this year, Surfside Beach entered a new agreement with TEXSAR — Texas Search and Rescue — adding another layer of protection for beachgoers. This Fourth of July weekend, a TEXSAR boat crew will be stationed approximately 1 mile from the main entrance, ready for an immediate response.
Patrols on surfside beach said they will also have lifejackets, that they will hand out as needed to people. Plus, Hester said to look out for surfboards in sand labeled A-Z. This will help police locate you in case of an emergency.
Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Stay calm: do not panic
- Do not swim against the current
- Swim parallel to shore
- Float or tread water
- Signal for help
- Never leave children unattended near the water or traffic areas