Water Safety in Guam

Rip currents are the most common ocean hazard at Guam beaches. They are powerful, fast-moving channels of water flowing away from shore that can pull even strong swimmers offshore.

• Rip current warning signs: discolored or churning water, choppy surface, debris line, or a gap in breaking waves.
• If caught in a rip current: STAY CALM. Don't exhaust yourself swimming directly back to shore against it.
• Swim parallel to shore (left or right) until you're out of the current, then angle back to the beach.
• If unable to escape: float and signal for help by waving your arm. Conserve energy.
• Rip currents can occur at any beach, even seemingly calm ones. Always check conditions before entering.
• Never enter the water at beaches without lifeguards unless you're a confident, experienced ocean swimmer.

Not all of Guam's beaches carry the same risk level. Protected bay beaches are generally safer than open-ocean coastlines.

• Tumon Bay: calm, protected inside the bay, suitable for families and non-swimmers — generally the safest.
• Gun Beach: good for snorkeling, calmer waters in normal conditions, some wave action.
• Inarajan Natural Pool: a calm tidal pool protected by natural rock — excellent for families with children.
• Ritidian Beach (north shore): strong currents, powerful surf, and surge — not recommended for casual swimming.
• Tarague Beach (military access): restricted; strong currents in open sections.
• All beaches during typhoon warnings (TCCOR): DO NOT enter the ocean under any circumstances.

• Always snorkel with a buddy — never snorkel alone, even in calm conditions.
• Use a brightly colored flotation vest or snorkel vest to increase visibility to boats.
• Check weather and sea conditions before entering the water.
• Stay within easy swimming distance of shore and avoid strong currents.
• Be aware of boat traffic — stay inside marked snorkeling zones when available.
• Don't touch coral, marine life, or the seabed — it's harmful to the reef and may injure you.
• Entry/exit at rocky shores: wear reef shoes and use hands to stabilize against wave surge.
• If you feel fatigued: rest floating on your back and signal for help if needed.

• Wait at least 24–48 hours after heavy rainfall before swimming or snorkeling at any beach.
• Runoff after rain carries bacteria, agricultural chemicals, and debris into the ocean.
• Visibility drops significantly after rain — hazardous for snorkeling and diving.
• Check conditions with the Guam Environmental Protection Agency or National Weather Service Guam (weather.gov/guam).

• Always use the buddy system — never enter the ocean alone.
• Supervise children at all times near the water — drownings can happen in seconds.
• Know your limits — don't overestimate your swimming ability in open ocean conditions.
• Heed all posted warning signs, flags, and lifeguard instructions.
• If a beach has a lifeguard on duty: check in with them and let them know where you're swimming.
• Life jackets are recommended for non-swimmers and young children on any boat trips.