Beach Guidelines
The following ordinances have been adopted to provide for the maximum enjoyment and greatest safety of all persons using the beach:
Santa Monica Municipal Code Section:
| 4.44 | No Smoking |
| 4.55.100 | No Fires or Fireworks |
| 4.04.160 | Dogs Not Permitted on the Beach |
| 4.08.010 | Ball Playing in Designated Areas Only |
| 4.08.020 | Must Obey Lifeguards' Direction |
| 4.08.070 | No Dressing or Undressing |
| 4.08.080 | No Tents or Temporary Enclosures |
| 4.08.095 | No Camping or Sleeping |
| 4.55.070 | All Trash Must be Placed in Trash Cans |
| 4.08.200 | No Alcoholic Beverages |
| 4.08.210 | No Glass Containers |
| 4.12.120 | No Drums or Percussion Instruments |
| 4.12.120 | No Playing of Audio or Electronic Devices after 10 pm or before 8 am |
| 6.36.100 | No Vending Activity |
| 3.12.560 | No Motorized Scooters on Bike Path |
Please note: By ordinance of the Santa Monica City Council, smoking is prohibited on Santa Monica beaches, on the Santa Monica Pier (except in designated areas), in waiting areas for public services (e.g., bus stops) and within 20 feet of an entrance to a public facility.
In addition to the above ordinances, we offer the following safety guidelines:
| • | Use sunscreen - our ocean breezes keep you cool but the sun can still damage your skin |
| • | If you're planning either a long ride or a serious walk, carry extra water, and carry a windbreaker or a sweatshirt in case the breezes turn cool |
| • | It's always safest to remain near the lifeguard stations, even with the breakwater, California surf can be surprisingly strong |
| • | Pay attention to posted rules (see above) |
| • | Never swim alone |
| • | Check with lifeguards on the beach regarding ocean conditions before entering the water |
| • | If you're going to try some long-distance swimming, swim parallel to the shore, not perpendicular |
| • | If you slip into a rip current pulling you out to sea, don't panic. Swim toward shore at a 45-degree angle |
| • | Never dive into shallow water |
| • | Always use caution and common sense when swimming surf |
| • | Never fake drowning actions or calls for help |
| • | Follow lifeguards' instructions and restrictions. The lifeguards are the law on the beach; they have full authority to remove you from the beach if they feel you're breaking rules or endangering other beachgoers |
| • | Don't dig deep holes in the beach - sand can cave in very suddenly |
| • | Tent camping is prohibited on the beach |
| • | Alcohol is prohibited on the beach (except with a special-events permit) |
| • | Fireworks are prohibited on the beach |
| • | It is not recommended that you walk alone or in very small groups on unlighted sections of the beach after dark |