When are lifeguards on duty?

Q: When are lifeguards on duty?

Ocean City Beach Patrol covers seasonal guarded hours —typically late spring through early fall, with daily start/end times that shift by month. Outside those hours the ocean is unguarded even if the Boardwalk is busy. Flag colors and tower staffing only apply when stands are open. Dawn jogs and late swims need extra caution; rips do not wait for red flags to look dangerous. Confirm current season dates on the Town’s Beach Patrol page the week you travel, and check today’s weather for beach-hazard wording.

Ocean City Beach Patrol covers seasonal guarded hours—typically late spring through early fall, with daily start/end times that shift by month. Outside those hours the ocean is unguarded even if the Boardwalk is busy.

Flag colors and tower staffing only apply when stands are open. Dawn jogs and late swims need extra caution; rips do not wait for red flags to look dangerous.

Confirm current season dates on the Town’s Beach Patrol page the week you travel, and check today’s weather for beach-hazard wording.

Sources: Ocean City Beach Patrol · Town of Ocean City · Visit Ocean City

Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.