Is Clearwater Beach Safe? Ultimate Beach Guide [2024]

Is Clearwater Beach Safe? Ultimate Beach Guide [2024]

This ultimate guide will help keep you, and your family, safe in Clearwater Beach during your Florida Vacation.

Alligators

I’ve lived in Florida for over 20 years and the general rule of thumb is this: If you can’t jump over it, there’s a gator in it! While this is a far-fetched idea, caution should be made near fresh, swampy, and grassy water.

Aligator attacks on humans are rare, with 11 bites in 2022, 2 people died. Don’t retrieve your golf ball or frisbee disc from water hazards, and don’t walk dogs near the water’s edge.

Crime

Every city has its share of crime ranging from disorderly conduct to violent offenses, Clearwater is no exception, however, the crime rate here is well below the national average and fairly safe, overall. There are certain areas just North of the Downtown that you should avoid, but for the typical vacationer, spending time on the beach and surrounding areas is going to be low risk. Get familiar with the Clearwater Police Department, here.

Clearwater Beach is safe, overall, but you still need to pay attention. Especially for pickpockets while enjoying the sand and surf. If you can’t avoid taking your wallet or car keys to the beach, check out this sunscreen bottle diversion.

Hurricanes

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30th. Do not let this deter you from visiting this beautiful area. Come and enjoy it, but keep an eye on the hurricane forecast leading up to your trip. Hurricanes are one of Mother Nature’s events that allow folks to prepare and secure properties before the storm hits. If there is a named storm brewing, the forecasting is fairly accurate.

The Tampa Bay region has had its share of storm warnings, watches, and near misses. We’ve hunkered down many times, waiting and watching, but the last time the area had a direct hit was more than 100 years ago! This is not to say it won’t happen, but the area has had luck on its side.

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are stationed on Clearwater Beach 365 days a year. Please adhere to any surf warning flags and advice from the lifeguards. Stay within the safe bathing limit area which extends 300 feet west, from the high water line.

Red Tide

From time to time, news of red tide will grace the national headlines with stories of unsafe water bacteria that causes dead fish to line the beaches and ruin vacations and travel plans. Red Tide is a harmful algae bloom, or HAB as scientists refer to it, that can produce harmful bacterial toxins that kill fish, birds, and shellfish, and may cause respiratory distress in some people.

Water samples are frequently collected from around the state and an interactive map of the current HAB levels can be found, here.

Rip Currents

Every year, people get swept out to sea by rip currents. It’s important to follow the surf warnings and if you get caught up in a rip current, know what to do. First and foremost, relax and try to remain calm. Easier said than done, I’m aware, but if you just take your time to collect your thoughts, surviving these phenomena will be easier.

NOAA has put together an informative video that you and your family should watch before venturing out to the beach.

Seaweed / Sargassum

Another headline gaining traction is about a huge blob of sargassum, or seaweed, drifting across the Atlantic Ocean, with Florida in its sights. There is always a chance for seaweed finding its way onto the beaches, but you’re likely to see a higher instance of seaweed during June and July. View the Clearwater Beach live cam to check out the current conditions.

Spring Breakers

Going on a trip during spring break is exciting and a much-needed break from the school year. Enjoy yourselves! Please don’t drink and drive. It’s not worth it. Our local families want to enjoy our spring break, too. Often, our local families will choose a ‘staycation’ instead of venturing out of town. I mean, we do live in paradise, after all!

Use this map to book your accommodations in Cleawater Beach

Stingray Shuffle

From May through October, you’ll want to shuffle your feet anytime you’re in the saltwater to alert the stingrays that you’re approaching. They will scurry along, but they can protect themselves by “stinging” you with their barb if they’re stepped on. If you do get punctured, please seek medical attention immediately to avoid the wound from getting infected.

Sunburn

Nothing can ruin your vacation faster than a hot, red sunburn. Even if the skies are overcast, even if you’re wearing a hat, put on your sunscreen! Drink lots of fluids, the nonalcoholic kind, to stay hydrated. Read 9 Great Tips For Avoiding Sunburn At The Beach to keep your skin safe during your Florida vacation.

Traffic

It’s no secret that the traffic in the Tampa Bay area can be horrendous, especially during the spring break season. Getting to and from Clearwater Beach can be tricky so please pack your patience.

There are 2 ways in and out, both bridges, and both can get backed up for quite a ways. From the south, Gulf Boulevard runs along the barrier islands and crosses over at Sand Key. From the East, Gulf to Bay/60, runs through downtown Clearwater and meets a roundabout upon entering the beach. That’s where things get interesting! Patience…

Weather

The Florida weather can be very tricky, raining on one side of the street, and perfectly sunny on the other. Bizarre! Squalls can form quickly if you’re on the beach or on the water, so pay attention to the skies during your visit.

The lightning in our area can be deadly, and I’m not referring to our championship hockey team. If you see lightning or hear thunder, seek shelter immediately.

Breakin’ It Down: Is Clearwater Beach Safe?

Yes! You’re going to enjoy your visit to the beautiful Clearwater Beach area. Use this guide to remember some helpful tips to keep you and your family safe during your visit. But above all, make memories together!