Last updated: May 11, 2021
Place
North Beach - Maryland district
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Berlin, Maryland
Significance:
Lifeguarded Beach
Designation:
National Seashore
Amenities
8 listed
Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Beach/Water Access, First Aid/Medical Care Available, Parking - Auto, Showers, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Wheelchair Accessible, Wheelchairs Available
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sound of the crashing waves. Recreating at Assateague Island is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the unspoiled beach. While hanging out at the beach is relaxing, don’t get too relaxed about safety. Check out a Surf Rescue demonstration, Monday, Wednesday, or Friday at 10 am to watch how lifeguards respond to a variety of safety hazards and emergencies.
North Beach is accessible from the first parking lot to the left after entering through the fee booths and is lifeguarded seasonally. North Beach Crossover #3 (by the Snack Shack) will take you directly to the center of the lifeguarded beach. Check out our Beach and Surf Safety page for this season’s lifeguard schedule.
Fun with Flags:When you recreate within the lifeguarded beach, you will notice a variety of flags flying on the boundaries or from the lifeguard tower. These flags are serving not only to designate boundaries, but also to communicate potential hazards. Learn below what each flag stands for.Yellow with black circle flags are permanently placed 50 yards beyond the lifeguard area and represent a safety zone. No fishing, rigid craft, no open beach fires and no dogs permitted between these flags.
North Beach is accessible from the first parking lot to the left after entering through the fee booths and is lifeguarded seasonally. North Beach Crossover #3 (by the Snack Shack) will take you directly to the center of the lifeguarded beach. Check out our Beach and Surf Safety page for this season’s lifeguard schedule.
Fun with Flags:When you recreate within the lifeguarded beach, you will notice a variety of flags flying on the boundaries or from the lifeguard tower. These flags are serving not only to designate boundaries, but also to communicate potential hazards. Learn below what each flag stands for.Yellow with black circle flags are permanently placed 50 yards beyond the lifeguard area and represent a safety zone. No fishing, rigid craft, no open beach fires and no dogs permitted between these flags.
- Red over yellow flags represents the area supervised by lifeguards. For safety, recreate within the boundaries of these flags.
- A solid yellow flag indicates a moderate warning for surf conditions. Caution should be exercised.
- A red flag indicates a high hazard exists such as strong surf and seaward currents.
- Double red flags indicate a severe hazard and a closure is in effect. Visitors will be kept out of the water until the hazard subsides.
- A purple flag indicates potentially dangerous marine organisms such as stinging jellyfish are present.