Curry County Aquatic Safety

10/11/2026

As we turn the corner into fall, the region will begin to see more frequent larger and longer period swells from the North Pacific. These powerful swell trains combined with our steep beaches, river mouths, and rocky rugged coastline can create an extremely dangerous environment along our tidal zones. These fast moving waves can surge over beach areas, rocks, jetties, and move large logs unexpectedly within a matter of seconds.

When headed to the beach always know before you go by checking your local marine forecasts from the US National Weather Service Medford Oregon for any beach hazard statements and swell information .

Stay high and dry away from large surf using one of the many viewpoints along our coastline.

When in doubt don’t go out, if you are unsure of your abilities or the conditions play it safe.

As always check in with a lifeguard and follow their warnings. They will direct you to safe areas.



Oregon's Wild Rivers Coast Southern Oregon Coast The Oregon Coast Discover Port Orford Gold Beach Visitor Center City of Brookings, Oregon Oregon State Parks Port Of Gold Beach Port of Port Orford Oregon State Marine Board United States Lifesaving Association

08/19/2026

This last week we ran our final JG session at the spectacular arena of Harris Beach! Our JG’s showed up in full force for our fourth ever session held at Harris Beach State Park. This year we saw new JG’s take a hold of their open water skills and returning JG’s further their progression of comfort and ability in their open water environment. Our Aid Division furthered their pathway to be coming Open Water Lifeguards in the years to come, as they received specialty training in rescue techniques and local hazards. We also saw the arrival of our PWC training for our JG’s, showcasing unique tools and capabilities in lifeguarding. A huge shoutout to our JG’s. It’s a great day!



Oregon's Wild Rivers CoastUnited States Lifesaving AssociationSOWIB - Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment BoardSouthern Oregon CoastBandon Dunes Charitable FoundationThe Oregon CoastCurry Health FoundationOregon State Marine BoardOregon State ParksCity of Brookings, OregonBrookings Pool

08/03/2026

This past week we ran our Port Orford JG session at Port Beach and Battle Rock. The crew and conditions were nothing short of epic! South swell, light winds, and nothing but stoke for our longest serving JG session on the Southern Oregon Coast. We introduced a few inaugural events as well. Way to go JG’s! It’s a great day! On to Harris Beach for our final session of the summer August 10th - 14th.



Oregon's Wild Rivers Coast Port of Port Orford Discover Port Orford Oregon State Parks Southern Oregon Coast The Oregon Coast Oregon State Marine Board Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation United States Lifesaving Association Curry Health Foundation SOWIB - Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board

06/28/2026

We just wrapped up our first Junior Lifeguard Session of the season this past week at Sunset Bay Beach. Youth ages 9-17 completed the week long program in and out of the water practicing water and board skills, CPR and First Aid, rescue skills, and performed daily “vitamins” as well as the “Iron Challenge” - a run/swim/paddle endurance event. It was a great week, even under the fog and sometimes wet conditions. We are super stoked for this group as this was the first full week session completed at the beautiful Sunset Bay State Park. Port Orford is up next, July 27th - 31st! It’s a great day!

06/13/2026

Last month the program hosted a SALT (Surfers Awareness in Lifesaving Techniques) training with the Coos Bay Surfrider Chapter. This training stemmed from recent incidents in the region involving surfers responding to fellow surfers in distress. In remote settings like the southern Oregon coast, where response may be an hour or more away, giving those who spend the most time in the water the knowledge to make the best decisions to help another are crucial. Utilizing the Huntington Beach Fire Department’s Marine Safety Division curriculum and assistance, we were able to provide this training to a dedicated group of Surfrider members. The training included an in-class portion focused on hazards and recognition of those hazards, introduction to rescue techniques, and examples that showcase how they work. It was followed by an in the water session at Sunset Bay Beach to practice the techniques in a non-emergency setting with the program lifeguards as instructors. A huge thank you to the Hunting Beach Fire Marine Division for providing a standard of instruction and the use of it, the Coos Bay Surfrider for the opportunity, Charleston Fire & Rescue - Oregon for the use of their facility, and to Chris Owen of off the edge photography for the photos.

06/01/2026

Junior Lifeguard Instructor Highlight 🌊🛟

Shannon Ingram has been an instructor with the program since 2021, our first year of JG’s. She was instrumental in the development of the program bringing her experience from the North Coast Junior Lifeguard Program. Shannon works as a Lifeguard II for California State Parks, serving for the North Coast Sector. She has been serving in that position for 8 years.
She is excited for this season to see new and returning JG’s and instructors excel in the conditions given. Shannon says “seeing the JG’s feel good for their accomplishments in and out of the water is pretty amazing, especially when they push themselves in rougher conditions”. When she is not on duty as a Lifeguard she can be found surfing, swimming, or coaching volleyball.

05/28/2026

A long period swell is building throughout the day. The US National Weather Service Medford Oregon has issued a moderate warning for sneaker waves.

There is a moderate risk for sneaker waves along the southern Oregon beaches Wednesday evening through Thursday night. Sneaker waves are waves that run up on beaches significantly farther than other waves and can surprise beachgoers. They can be knocked down and pulled into the ocean by these waves resulting in injury or drowning. Sneaker waves are very powerful and can move logs and other debris, potentially crushing or trapping unsuspecting people. For those at the beach, never turn your back on the ocean! Keep your distance from the waves and avoid climbing on rocks, jetties or logs when there is an increased threat of sneaker waves. If you see someone swept into the ocean, do not swim in after them! Call 911 and keep an eye on them until help arrives.

05/22/2026

As we head into the busy holiday weekend with a solid looking forecast through Monday for the southern Oregon coast, we expect an uptick in activity along our waterways and shorelines. We want to highlight some safety tips that will help reduce the risk of injury or incident while recreating on or near the water. Everyone have a fantastic and safe weekend!



Oregon's Wild Rivers Coast Discover Port OrfordPort of Port Orford Port Of Gold Beach Gold Beach Visitor Center City of Brookings, Oregon Oregon's Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston Southern Oregon Coast The Oregon Coast Oregon State Parks Oregon State Marine Board United States Lifesaving Association

05/21/2026

Curry County Aquatic Safety recently participated in the first ever Responder Roundup put on by The Lifeguard Project, combining hundreds of lifeguards, EMS crews, and firefighters. The event took place in San Luis Obispo County.
The two day high-fidelity drowning response course focused on best-practice drowning protocols, with lectures from emergency medicine physicians, and hands on practice covered on the first day. The program held the second day at Morro Bay on the beach focusing on continuum of care, with an ocean rescue turning into a lifeguard led resuscitation, passed off to an ambulance crew, and packaged for a flight team.
Curry County Aquatic Safety had the opportunity to work with lifeguard agencies from around the world, spanning the entire West Coast down to Central America. Hands on topics included rescue breaths, airway management and intubation, and oxygen administration specific to drowning emergencies. A huge thank you to the for providing this amazing opportunity!

05/16/2026

Junior Lifeguard Instructor Highlight 🌊🛟

Morgan Perlmuter began instructing with the Curry County Junior Lifeguard Program in 2023. She started as a Junior Lifeguard when she was 8 years old and became a cadet with the LA County Junior Lifeguard Program when she was 15. When she was 16, she became a California State Park Lifeguard and competed for the US Lifesaving Team in Australia. Morgan has worked as a California State Park Lifeguard at Point Mugu for the last six years and most recently is the assistant pool manager and swim team coach for the Brookings Pool. Morgan is looking forward to everyone challenging themselves in events and doing relays this summer!