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.
