Hello,
Fitswimmer is correct and in fact rip currents or undertows can be a problem all along the Atlantic coast. I remember a time at Rehoboth Deleware when my daughter got caught in one and it scared the hell out of me. Fortunately, I was watching her like a hawk, because the lifeguard missed it.
Vero beach is probably just on the higher end of wave size (typically). Some days the waves are almost non existant and some days you get pounded just trying to get out far enough to catch one on a boogie board. Most days are just a good size for fun. Unless you get out past the waves this is not swimming or floating water unless you are a.... fitswimmer.
I think kids of single digit age need to be acccompanied by an adult to actually go into the waves. Sitting on the beach and playing in the after wave surge is fine. Just don't be one of those parents that takes a nap in the sun while little Johnny is supervising himself.
Double digit age children and adults should have a boogie board with a wrist strap to go into the waves. Many may think this is over kill, but in my opinion it is likely that people on rafts or tubes or whatever are going to get separated by the waves at the worst time.
I love the ocean and riding waves
. I spend almost all my beach time in the water or until DW tells me I have to get out because my lips are blue. Still, I always have the board strapped to my wrist. It is like wearing seatbelt... You don't wear it because you think you will be in an accident, you wear it because what is at risk is to precious to leave to chance.
I have been going to VB for 7 or more years and have never seen a shark. On occasion have seen jellyfish and been lightly stung once, but that was pretty far out in the water.
The beach from mid June - mid Sept can definitely have hot sand, so it is smart to bring the flops along. I have never had a problem with shells and my feet. Though I did break my toe once
by kicking a rock while DW and I were walking the beach in pitch black looking for turtles.
The water is too aggitated for snorkeling and I don't believe there are any reefs nearby. But for other things to do the VB resort provides daily activities for kids & adults with the best CMs of all the resorts.
They have a nice pool &
Lighthouse spiral waterslide, a REALLY cool water deck area for the real young kids, a hot Jacuzzi, miniature golf, exercise room, ping pong, bike rentals, The Green Cabin Room (bar/restaurant) has 2nd floor covered deck that has a fantastic view of the
ocean and is a nice place to relax with your favorite beverage. It also has live entertainment in the evenings. At night they have a campfire / s’more roast (bring the Cutter Advanced to fend off the No-see-ums). You can rent a small catamaran or jet-ski for
ocean fun. Across the street they have a lake, picnic tables, nature trail, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Disney built a private tunnel under the road to access this area. And of course they have the ocean and great waves for boogy boarding. Everything from the ocean to the pool to your room is no more than 2 minutes away walking. So it is real easy to break up your day
5 minutes away is
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and a wildlife education center. Just a few minutes further up the road is
Sebastian Inlet State Park were the Indian River meets the ocean. There are many good fishing spots around the inlet, and there are river excursions where you can see dolphins, manatee, and tons of other types of wildlife. About an hour north is
Port Canaveral, (where the Magic and Wonder dock), the
Kennedy Space Center visitor complex, and
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge with walking and driving tours. 20 minutes south is
McKee Botanical Garden (18 acres) with some REALLY cool vegetation and trees. 30 minutes south in Fort Piece is the
Manatee Observation and Education Center.
Have a great trip.
I didn't need to know that Pam, but thanks nonetheless.
She wanted to get out early to do some shelling.
