Cocoa Beach Pier, located in Florida, is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and soaking up the sun. This historic landmark stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and offers a variety of amenities for beachgoers. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a first-time visitor, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your Cocoa Beach Pier swimming experience.
Cocoa Beach Pier Swimming: Hours and Rates
Cocoa Beach Pier is open year-round, 24/7, allowing visitors to enjoy the water at any time. However, it’s important to note that lifeguards are only present at specific locations, including the pier, Alan Shepard Park, Lori Wilson Park, Minutemen Causeway, and Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral. Lifeguards maintain weekday duty at these locations from the day after Memorial Day weekend through the first week in August.
Beach rentals, including umbrellas and chairs, are available for a daily rate of $20 for two chairs and one umbrella. Freshwater showers are also available for public use, allowing you to rinse off after your swim.
Cocoa Beach Pier Swimming: Safety Considerations
Swimming is a popular activity at Cocoa Beach, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers, such as rip currents. Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing away from the shore, which can be dangerous for even strong swimmers. To recognize a rip current, look for gaps of darker, calmer water between areas of breaking waves, differences in water color, lines of foam, seaweed, sand, or debris moving away from shore, or churning, choppy water.
If you get caught in a rip current, remain calm and don’t swim toward the shore against the current. Instead, try swimming parallel to the shoreline or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the shore. You can also float or tread water if the current circulates back toward the shore. If you feel you are unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by yelling and waving your arms for assistance.
To help someone caught in a rip current, do not attempt a rescue yourself. Instead, get help from a lifeguard, call 9-1-1, and direct the swimmer to follow the shoreline to escape. If possible, throw the swimmer something that floats, but never enter the water without a flotation device.
Always check with lifeguards or local authorities about any specific rip current warnings or conditions before entering the water. Swim at beaches with lifeguards present and follow their instructions. Never swim alone, and keep an eye on children at all times.
Additional Tips for Cocoa Beach Pier Swimming
To ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience at Cocoa Beach Pier, consider the following additional tips:
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and staying hydrated.
- Review the city’s beach rules and etiquette before coming to Cocoa Beach.
- Be aware of ocean currents and rip tides, and if you are caught in a rip tide, swim parallel to the beach to escape.
- If you need help, face the shore and wave your arms for assistance.
By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, you can make the most of your Cocoa Beach Pier swimming adventure and create lasting memories.