Tybee Lifeguard and Beach Safety
Relax and recharge on Tybee Island, knowing your safety is top of mind, with just a few guidelines to follow. The City of Tybee Island's Ocean Rescue Division is made up of highly trained lifeguards and first responders ready to assist with beach conditions, tide changes, safety information and first aid throughout your visit.
Below, you'll find important beach safety tips and regulations that help keep our coastline beautiful, welcoming and worry-free for everyone.
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Beach safety, rules & lifeguard information
Beach Coverage
There is daily lifeguard coverage from May 1 through October 31. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A limited presence is maintained during the off-season.
Holiday hours remain the same with additional assigned patrols.
Lifeguard Tower Locations
Tybee Island's lifeguard towers are staffed during peak beach season and positioned at the following locations:
- Tower 1: North Beach, near the last Taylor Street crossover
- Tower 15: Near the 15th Street crossover
- Tower 17: Near the 17th Street crossover
- Tower 20: North of the 19th Street crossover near the Back River and sandbar
Daily Beach Flags
Keep an eye on these colored flags for ocean conditions.
Green: Calm water.
Yellow: Moderate surf and currents.
Red: Rough, choppy water, strong currents or high danger.
Purple: Dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish.
Double Red: Water closed to the swimming public.
Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore that can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
If Caught in a Rip Current:
- Don't fight the current.
- Swim out of the current, then toward shore.
- If you can't escape, float or tread water.
- If you need help, call or wave for assistance.
Safety:
- Know how to swim.
- Never swim alone.
- If in doubt, don't go out.
For current beach conditions, information or non-emergency reports, contact TIOR at (912) 786-0911 or email [email protected].
Lifeguard Tips & Warnings
Swim Near Lifeguards
Always swim in front of a lifeguard station.
South End Sandbar Warning
Do not walk, wade or swim to the south end sandbar. Fast-moving currents make this area extremely dangerous. Violators may be subject to fines of up to $1,000.
Lightning Rules
If you hear thunder or see lightning, lifeguards will clear the water. Remain away from the water until lifeguards determine conditions are safe.
Know About Rip Currents
A rip current is a strong, fast-moving channel of water flowing away from shore. If caught in one, remain calm and swim parallel to the shoreline until you are free of the current.
Beach Rules & Regulations
Fines of up to $300 may be imposed for violations of the following regulations:
- No smoking of any kind, including vaping, on the beach
- No glass on the beach
- No littering
- No public nudity
- No pets on the beach
- No fireworks or fires on the beach
- No overnight sleeping on the beach
- No motorized vehicles of any kind on the beach
For more information on beach rules and Georgia's laws regarding service and emotional support animals, click here.
Alerts & Notifications
CivicReady
The City of Tybee Island utilizes CivicReady to send emergency alerts and other notifications. Subscribers can register to receive alerts via phone, text and/or email.
Notify Me
Stay up to date with alerts and information from Tybee Island by subscribing to Notify Me email and text notifications.
By signing up for Peak Weekend Communications Updates, you can receive automatic notifications regarding:
- Public Safety
- Parking
- Traffic Controls
