Last week’s tsunami warning on the South Coast was an important reminder for all of us: the Oregon Coast is as beautiful as it is unpredictable. This weekend we will also see the second King Tides of the winter season. King Tides bring another level of excitement and unpredictability to the coast, especially if paired with winter storms.
Events like these provide a great opportunity for us and our coastal tourism partners to inspire visitors and locals to enjoy the ocean safely, while respecting the environment, and planning for the unexpected. We’re encouraging visitors to Coast Like a Local year-round by offering local tips and tricks to stay safe and ‘know before you go’ for all coastal adventures.
This week, we’ve launched an ad campaign focused on safety tips for winter beach safety. We encourage you to share these tips with your own visitor audiences! Help us equip everyone with the knowledge needed to navigate the coast responsibly and stay safe during winter adventures.
Key Safety Tips to Share with Visitors
- Know Before You Go
- Check weather patterns, tide schedules, and fire restrictions before heading out. Winter storms and King Tides can bring especially hazardous conditions.
- Have a Plan for the Unexpected
- Whether it’s a sudden storm or a tsunami warning, knowing local tsunami evacuation routes is essential for both locals and visitors. Maps are posted in many areas and can also be found at Oregon.gov.
- Respect the Power of the Ocean
- Locals know to never turn their back to the ocean. Sneaker waves can strike unexpectedly, carrying anything in their path out to sea.
- If a storm is forecasted, admire the coast from a safe distance—or even consider staying indoors when conditions are particularly risky.
- Watch for signs of rip currents and avoid swimming alone.
- Navigate Terrain Cautiously
- Coastal terrain can be rough, slippery, and unpredictable. Avoid climbing on driftwood logs, rocks, or jetties, and be mindful of cliffs that may erode or collapse.
By encouraging visitors to embrace the winter season like locals, we aim to keep everyone safe while fostering a deeper appreciation for the powerful beauty of the Oregon Coast.
The Coast like a Local campaign is a project that encourages visitors to engage in responsible stewardship when they recreate at the coast. These messages are drafted with support and input from our Strategic Advisory Group, a convening group of resource agencies who manage the coast’s natural resources, and who are invested in protecting public safety for visitors and locals.
Special thanks to our contributing parters for the winter campaign—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon Shores, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service —for helping us share this important message, so we all enjoy our beaches safely.
Let’s work together to spread the message! Share our social media posts this winter, or use the language below for your own messaging:
Coast like a local this winter! 🌊
King Tides are hitting the Oregon Coast on December 13-15, 2024, and January 11-13, 2025. Locals know to keep a close eye on the water and never turn their back on the ocean. These high tides bring powerful sneaker waves and unpredictable currents, so stay alert.
Check tide schedules and weather before you go, and remember—risky days are best spent watching from a safe distance. Avoid standing near cliffs and don’t climb on driftwood; the coast can be as dangerous as it is beautiful. Respect the waves, stay safe, and enjoy the coast like a true local.
Visit oregonkingtides.net to learn more about King Tide science and safety!
#CoastLikeALocal #BeachSafety #OregonKingTides