Any Cocoa Beach tips?

[snickerboo]

It's almost time for trip #2-this time at Cocoa beach. Although I've been doing lots of research, there just isn't a ton of info (I think I've been spoiled by all the WDW info out there).

So far we're planning to do some of the beaches and the pier there, one or two days at MK, Daytona USA, an orange grove tour.....anything that shouldn't be missed (I know Cape Canaveral is there but for the cost of it, I'd rather do another Disney day)?

 

[Seahunt]

I know you'd rather not hear this , but for no surprises, you should just be aware of the possibility of strong rip currents and jellyfish (and sharks ) - hopefully the sea conditions that have caused this lately will be gone by the time you visit!

From local news:

Rip currents off the eastern coast of Central Florida, which drowned one man and endangered the lives of dozens of swimmers in Brevard County, remain strong this morning.

Beachgoers enjoying the sun and surf Tuesday afternoon at Cocoa Beach pulled Edward Hooker, 69, of Sterling Heights, Michigan to shore after rip currents dragged him out to sea. Hooker was transported to Cape Canaveral Hospital, where he later died.

Currents were so strong that Brevard County Ocean Rescue crews and Cocoa Beach Fire Department officials had to rescue those swimmers who dove in for Hooker.

Long period swells impacting the surf in Flagler Beach, Cocoa Beach, Jupiter Inlet and others in Volusia and Brevard counties are increasing the risk of rip currents, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.

Rip currents are narrow channels of water flowing rapidly seaward. The best way to avoid a rip current is to swim in areas manned by lifeguards. If caught in the pull of a rip current, lifeguards urge swimmers to swim in a direction parallel to the shore. Swimming against the current tires even the strongest swimmers.

Over the weekend, more than 30 people were pulled from the heavy surf and 13 others were rescued by lifeguards Monday.

As if rip currents weren't enough to keep swimmers out of the water, easterly winds also are pushing Portuguese men-of-war close to shore. Several residents have reported being stung by the floating, gas-filled marine creatures.
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There was a also a 7 year old who was wading in New Smyrna Beach yesterday on a sandbar who was bitten by a shark and had 60 stitches in his calf - the water was murky and the shark probably thought he was prey.

Just be careful and really watch any children with you - check with the lifeguard stand to see the conditions for that day.

I know - TMI huh? Other than that - the weather is beautiful, hot and sunny!

 

[Koda]

O.K., this has made me nervous! I just booked a three night stay at The Resort on Cocoa beach for October. Is it really that bad? Should I not let my kids go in the water?

 

[Amity 3]

O.K., this has made me nervous! I just booked a three night stay at The Resort on Cocoa beach for October. Is it really that bad? Should I not let my kids go in the water?

October? the water's so cold that time of year they'll drop from hypothermia before they get the have a chance of being attacked by a shark.

(just kidding)

 

[snickerboo]

No, I appreciate the info! I was researching yesterday about sharks and the area. I am very afraid of sharks so this will be interesting. LOL My dd is obsessed with being attacked by a shark for some reason right now so I doubt she'll do much but wade in a little.

 

[heathera]

I was just there last Sunday, March 25th. There were some good swells but the water was very very warm, we seen dolphins swimming out in the vicinity, no sharks, and no jelly fish. Good view of all the cruise ships coming in and out of port as well. I think the further away from the pier you get the further you are into the 'reef' or 'riptide' territory so if you stay around the populate pier area I don't think you'll run into any troubles.

 

[snickerboo]

Thanks Heather

 

[Seahunt]

O.K., this has made me nervous! I just booked a three night stay at The Resort on Cocoa beach for October. Is it really that bad? Should I not let my kids go in the water?

No, it's just bad right now because of a system at sea pushing high waves, etc. in to shore - the jellyfish are just riding the waves and the sharks (and dolphins) are following the baitfish as they head north for the summer, so you just have to be careful right now and watch the water. If you are standing and notice lots of baitfish around in the water, you might want to get out of that area in case something might be feeding on baitfish there

I didn't mean to scare anyone, but just inform that this can happen so you should check at the lifeguard stands for how the conditions are. I mean, the ocean looks so beautiful and it is hot and sunny right now, so if you didn't watch the local news reports of all the rescues you wouldn't suspect anything, but it's on the local news here daily:

One lifeguard who was on duty had a very busy day on Monday.

The lone lifeguard made 12 water rescues along Cocoa Beach, WESH 2 News reported.

Swimmers were getting caught in the rough surf and needed help getting back to shore. The lifeguard was also busy treating people for man-o-war stings.

Officials said more lifeguards will be on duty on Tuesday along the shore and in the water to help assist with rescues, if needed.
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It's deceiving that something can be going on at sea hundreds of miles away and be affecting your waves here at the beach I would recommend (especially if you have kids with you) that you go in close to a lifeguard stand - they really watch the water and swimmers from their tower so they are just another way to protect yourself (plus there's usually the "eye candy" factor. )

 

[bscs]

1st I just Love your Easter bunny

Is daytona beach much further than Cocoa beach?

Are the beaches hard to find from Orlando?
How do you know where to go that has parking and restrooms close by?

We've been to FL 3 times but never seen the beach this time we want to go a day or 2 for sure As much info as possible would be wonderful Thanks

 

[Koda]

I appeciate all of the info. Even if the water is cold in October, I know that my girls will want to go in. They have never been to the ocean before, and are very excited! We will definitely stick to the more popular areas, and I will be close by on "shark and jelly-fish patrol"!