Beach Safety

Furvana is located a very short walk from the coast of the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and although there is plenty of fun to be had on the beach, the ocean can be extremely dangerous if you do not respect the power of the waves. To ensure a fun and safe time is had by all, please follow these guidelines whenever you're on the beach:

• Logs are not your friends!

  Always stay clear of driftwood logs and never play on or around them. Logs are on the beach because they were picked up and carried by waves; they are unstable and can easily roll over on you.

• Knee deep!

  If you do walk into the water, make sure you don't go in to water past your knees to help ensure your safety and help prevent you from being swept away by a rip current.

• Bring a buddy!

  Do not go out close to or into the water by yourself. That way, if you do get into trouble, there will always be someone to call for help.

• Don't turn your back on the ocean!

  When in the water, sneaker waves can come out of nowhere and knock you off your feet. Always keep one eye on the incoming waves when in the water or close to the water's edge.

• Wear a wetsuit!

  The water of the Pacific Ocean can be very cold, especially in September! Wearing a wetsuit will help keep your body temperature regulated and decrease the risk of hypothermia.

• Cars on the beach

  The beach is classified as a state highway, so pedestrians should watch out for moving vehicles at all times and vehicles should drive slowly and be very mindful of pedestrians.

  Driving on the packed sand of the beach is permitted, but you should always stay very clear of the ocean water. It is very easy for a heavy vehicle to become entrapped in the wet sand, and the high salt content of ocean water can do damage to a vehicle. Traction tires are strongly advised.

Rules

Alcohol is permitted on the beach, but you MUST NOT be in a vehicle if you are drinking.

Please clean up after yourself. Remember that the beach is connected to the habitats of the surrounding wildlife, so follow the old adage: leave only pawprints, take only memories!

Tides

It's a good idea to be aware of when high tide and low tide occur when you're enjoying the beach. The Ocean Shores beachfront is a long flat tidal plain, and the encroachment of the ocean waters can vary greatly depending on the time of day.

For the latest information about tides, visit this NOAA website.

Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water that flow away from the shore. They can be very dangerous and possibly deadly if not treated with proper safety precautions. You can identify a rip current by looking for the following signs:

• A channel of turning choppy water.
• An area having noticeably different colored water.
• A break in the incoming wave pattern.

If you do happen to get caught in a rip current, you should follow these steps:

• Stay calm and don't panic.
• Do not try to swim towards the shore at first, but rather swim parallel to the shore.
• Once completely out of the rip current, start swimming towards the shore.

Tsunami Evacuation and Procedures

What is a tsunami?

Tsunamis are a series of ocean waves that occur over many hours, most commonly caused by an earthquake beneath the sea floor. If a large earthquake occurs near the Washington Coast, the first wave may reach the shore minutes after the ground stops shaking. Tsunami waves can kill and injure people, causing great property damage where they come ashore.

How do I know when to evacuate?

If you feel the ground shake, Drop, Cover, and Hold until the shaking stops. Immediately evacuate inland or to higher ground, there is no time for an "official evacuation notice". Do not return until officials say it is safe to do so.

Where do I evacuate to?

Go to an area approximately 50 to 100 feet above sea level if possible. If you do not have time to travel to high ground but are in a multi-story building, go to an upper level of the building. If you are on the beach and unable to get to high ground, go inland as far as you can. Observe signs for Tsunami Hazard Zones and Tsunami Evacuation Routes.

How do I get inland or to high ground?

Go on foot if necessary, particularly if an earthquake has caused damage to or blocked roads.

What do I take when I evacuate?

If you have an emergency preparedness kit that is quickly accessible, take it with you when you evacuate. Do not take the time to gather personal belongings, they are not worth your life.

What do I do if officials issue an evacuation notice for a tsunami coming from elsewhere?

Pack only the essentials, including medications and emergency preparedness items. Evacuate using your personal transportation or contact the venue/hotel for emergency transportation.

How do I get official information?

• Listen to 1320 AM KXRO or 96.1 FM KXXO on your radio.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio at 162.425 MHz, 162.40 MHz, or 162.475 MHz.

How do I find out more information about emergency procedures?

• Ask hotel or venue management.
• Contact the local City or County Officials.
• Contact the local Chamber of Commerce.
• Contact the local Emergency Management Office.
• Contact the local Red Cross.