Avoid the ocean during and for 24–72 hours after heavy rain due to increased pollution, bacteria, and poor water quality. Dangerous conditions also include high tides, strong winds (20+ mph), and during dawn/dusk when marine predators are active. Never enter with open wounds or during lightning.
Avoid remote beaches with no emergency access. Practical rule-of-thumb: don't swim at night, during storms/lightning, after heavy rains or sewage/algal advisories, in big surf or strong winds, when rip-current warnings are posted, or if water is dangerously cold -- and never alone or beyond your skills.
Summary: 2025 is a transformative year for ocean governance, marked by three landmark events: the UN BBNJ Convention entering into force, new WTO fisheries subsidies regulations taking effect, and the adoption of a historic political declaration at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.
Flood and ebb currents are the strongest at or around the peak of high or low tide, making this the most difficult and dangerous time for beachgoers to swim in the water (especially during flood tide).
Since wind speeds are often low at night, and increase during the daytime, wind waves often die out during the night, leading to a relatively flat sea (perhaps with swell waves) in the early morning.
Issues: Ocean crossings always encounter the roughest waters because there are no nearby landmasses to provide shelter. Avoid: The winter months are the most intense, with transatlantic cruises hitting very rough seas from November through February and Pacific cruises from February through April.
What is the safest time of day to go to the beach?
Daytime is considered the safest time for ocean swimming. Visibility is low in early morning hours and at dusk, and predatory animals in the water tend to move closer to shore at night. Wear sunblock.
Don't enter the water at dawn, dusk and at night, when some species of sharks may move closer to land to feed. However, keep in mind that sharks, especially tiger sharks, have been known to bite people at any time of day or night.
You might have heard about the 80:20 rule where 20% of things get you 80% of the results. In swimming I find that is usually body position. If you want to improve your swimming a lot of times the 20% of things that you can do comes down to body position.
We have a great deal more to learn about our ocean and what resides within it, but progress IS being made. We learn more and more each year. We continue to discover new features and creatures, clues to our past, and resources that can improve our future. But the ocean will never be fully explored.
High chlorophyll a concentrations (in shades of red) are shown overlaid on a true-color corrected reflectance image of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea from February 15, 2025. The images were acquired by the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) aboard the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) platform.
Harsh conditions, extreme pressure, and technological challenges make deep-sea exploration difficult—leaving much of the ocean's mysteries, ecosystems, and species still undiscovered.
The 25:10 rule states that if a child is unable to swim 25 meters continuously (no stopping) and unassisted, then a parent needs to remain in the water with them within 10 feet of the child.
Ocean air is often free of pollutants and allergens that are common in urban environments. The salty, humid air helps clear your lungs and sinuses, making it easier to breathe. For those suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or allergies, spending time by the ocean can bring noticeable relief.
A regular swimming practice can help sculpt a lean, strong, functional body. If you're looking to strengthen and tone all your muscles and perhaps even drop a few pounds, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better way to achieve those goals than by adding swimming to your fitness routine.
Additionally, his unusually large palms and feet further assist him in swimming with increased speed. Phelps' body also produces only half the amount of lactic acid that an average human body does. This helps him stay active for longer periods, giving him more endurance while swimming longer distances.
It has traditionally been believed that sharks are repelled by the smell of a dead shark. However, modern research has had mixed results. Semiochemicals have shown some efficacy at getting sharks to leave a feeding area for a few minutes.
Pay attention to Nature's signs. Circling birds, splashing water, a dead whale, feeding seals and dolphins may also indicate a shark is near. Do not enter the water. Use the buddy system.
Some deterrents use powerful magnetic technology to create an electromagnetic field around the user. Magnetic waves from the deterrent field are hypothesized to disrupt the shark's electroreceptors and have a repellant effect.
The Department of Public Health recommends that beach users avoid contact with ocean water for a period of 3 days after significant rainfall, especially near flowing storm drains, creeks and rivers.
Why do they say "never turn your back on the ocean"?
A famous Hawaiian, Duke Kahanamoku, helped popularize the motto, “Never turn your back on the ocean.” His reasons were twofold: he wanted people to watch out for the physical dangers of being hit by a wave, and he wanted mankind to show respect for the ocean.
A thorough rinse with fresh water after a surf is essential to wash away this corrosive residue. Moreover, the ocean is a vast ecosystem with various forms of life, including bacteria. Some of these microscopic organisms can be harmful to humans and may cause infections if left unattended on the skin.
