Answer
Follow Ocean City Beach Patrol flags and announcements—full beach closures are rare for distant fin sightings. Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, near bait schools, or pier anglers dumping chum. Shark bites are extremely rare; rip currents remain the bigger everyday hazard.
Sources: Ocean City Beach Patrol · Town of Ocean City · NOAA Fisheries
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.
