Good to know

Beach safety

The Gulf here is usually gentle, which is exactly why people let their guard down. Five minutes on this page covers it.

Lifeguards and life vests

There are 11 lifeguard towers. Tower 1 is at Manatee Beach and towers 2 to 11 run along Coquina and Cortez beaches. source
Lifeguards are on duty 365 days a year, with longer hours on summer holidays. Flags fly from the towers. source
The north end, Bean Point included, has no lifeguard, and rip currents are common along Bean Point. source
Free loaner life vests hang at two stations, the Bean Point beach access off Gulf Blvd and Bayfront Park. Each has 32 in different sizes. Put them back when you're done. source

Beaches with guards: Manatee Beach, Coquina and Cortez.

Stingrays peak in summer. Do the stingray shuffle: slide your feet through the sand so they scoot away. If you get stung, rinse with warm water and get medical help. source
Jellyfish are more common in summer. If stung, rinse with seawater, pick off tentacles and skip the fresh water. source

If you see a rip, stay out and tell a lifeguard. source
Caught in one? Don't fight it. Swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the pull, then head in. Can't? Float, tread water and wave for help. source

Skip swimming right after a storm or heavy rain. Wait for bacteria testing to come back clean. source
Report an emergency or unsafe conditions to the lifeguard, Beach Patrol at 941-744-3950, or 911. source

Lines marked Local tip are what regulars and locals say, not official rules.