Last updated: May 11, 2021
Place
Oceanside Beach at Parking Lot 2 - Virginia district
Krystina Carpenter/ NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Chincoteague, Virginia
Significance:
Lifeguarded Beach
Designation:
National Seashore
Amenities
9 listed
Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Beach/Water Access, First Aid/Medical Care Available, Parking - Auto, Showers, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trash Dumpster, Wheelchair Accessible, Wheelchairs Available
Come on in, the water’s fine! Swimming off the beach of Assateague Island is a great way to experience the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. The conditions at the beach and in the ocean vary daily and it is important to be aware of any potential safety precautions before going for a swim.
The lifeguard supervised beach is designated by two red over yellow flags: one indicating the south boundary and one indicating the north boundary. No floats are permitted in the lifeguarded beach except for Coast Guard approved life jackets. Fifty yards beyond each of the lifeguard flags are yellow flags with a black circle in the middle. These flags designate a protected beach area. This area is designated as swimming only. No fishing, surfing, rigid crafts or contained fires are permitted within this boundary.
In the Virginia district of Assateague Island, the beach in front of parking lot #2 is seasonally lifeguarded. Check our Beach and Surf Safety page for this season’s lifeguard schedule, beach flag definitions and other safety tips.
Don’t let your dip turn into a drift:
Often swimmers have entered the water in front of their beach towel and when they exit find themselves yards down the beach from their belongings of family. How does this happen?
Barrier islands and oceans are in a constant state of change. One contributing variable to daily conditions at the beach is current. A “littoral” or “longshore” current is one that is traveling either north to south, or south to north along the beach front. The direction and speed of this current can be influenced by wind direction and speed. When we enter the water and float, tread water or ride the waves in, we are unknowingly being pulled north or south due to this longshore current. Lifeguards post the direction and speed of this current daily on their operations board by the lifeguard stand.
To avoid being swept down the beach, use a distinct marker on the beach you can see from the water. Frequently look back for your marker and relocate yourself accordingly.
The lifeguard supervised beach is designated by two red over yellow flags: one indicating the south boundary and one indicating the north boundary. No floats are permitted in the lifeguarded beach except for Coast Guard approved life jackets. Fifty yards beyond each of the lifeguard flags are yellow flags with a black circle in the middle. These flags designate a protected beach area. This area is designated as swimming only. No fishing, surfing, rigid crafts or contained fires are permitted within this boundary.
In the Virginia district of Assateague Island, the beach in front of parking lot #2 is seasonally lifeguarded. Check our Beach and Surf Safety page for this season’s lifeguard schedule, beach flag definitions and other safety tips.
Don’t let your dip turn into a drift:
Often swimmers have entered the water in front of their beach towel and when they exit find themselves yards down the beach from their belongings of family. How does this happen?
Barrier islands and oceans are in a constant state of change. One contributing variable to daily conditions at the beach is current. A “littoral” or “longshore” current is one that is traveling either north to south, or south to north along the beach front. The direction and speed of this current can be influenced by wind direction and speed. When we enter the water and float, tread water or ride the waves in, we are unknowingly being pulled north or south due to this longshore current. Lifeguards post the direction and speed of this current daily on their operations board by the lifeguard stand.
To avoid being swept down the beach, use a distinct marker on the beach you can see from the water. Frequently look back for your marker and relocate yourself accordingly.