Answer
Early-morning swimmers and surfers enter the ocean before towers open at their own risk—rip channels shift overnight and no whistles protect you. Many locals surf or exercise at dawn by choice; families with children should wait for staffed flags. Jogging the beach is fine; trusting kids to the water is not.
Sources: Ocean City Beach Patrol · Town of 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.
