Dog Beach Safety Update: What Happened to Me at Del Mar Dog Beach
Hey Pack, it’s Kodiak.
You guys know I love the beach.
Running. Swimming. Chasing balls. Making new friends.
Well… most of them.
If you’ve been following my adventures for a while, you probably remember that I’ve actually been attacked by other dogs at the beach — and it’s a good reminder that even the happiest places for dogs can go sideways.
But today I want to tell you about something that scared both of us even more.
It wasn’t another dog.
It was the water.
One afternoon Dad and I were swimming near the river mouth at Del Mar Dog Beach. We’d done it before. The water looked calm enough, and I was doing what I always do — having the time of my life.
Then the current grabbed me.
Not a little.
A lot.
Before either of us really realized what was happening, I was being pulled toward the ocean.
I swam as hard as I could and managed to reach the big rocks along the side of the river mouth. I climbed up and waited there while Dad came after me.
Dad swam through the current, got me safely off the rocks, and together we swam across to the sandy side of the river mouth where we could finally get out.
I’ll admit it…
That one got my attention.
Dad’s too.
We both learned something that day.
Everybody talks about rip currents at the beach — and they’re absolutely right to do that — but don’t overlook the currents at river mouths. Even on a beautiful day, the outgoing water can be surprisingly strong, especially after rain or when the tide is changing.
I’m a pretty strong swimmer.
That current didn’t care.
So before we get into my updated beach safety tips, I wanted to share that story because it reminded both of us that the beach deserves our respect. It only takes a few seconds for a fun afternoon to turn into something much more serious.
Now let’s talk about how to make sure your next beach day ends with sandy paws instead of a trip to the emergency vet.
1. Respect the Water
The ocean isn’t a swimming pool.
Waves change.
Tides change.
Currents change.
And if there’s a river or lagoon flowing into the ocean, pay extra attention. The current where freshwater meets the ocean can be much stronger than it looks.
If your dog loves to swim like I do, stay close enough that you can help if something goes wrong.
Trust me.
2. Salt Water Isn’t a Snack
Here’s something humans don’t always know.
Dogs don’t just swim.
We taste everything.
Ocean water might seem harmless, but drinking too much of it can make us sick. Really sick.
Bring fresh water.
Offer it often.
If I’m choosing between a bowl of cold water and the Pacific Ocean…
Okay… I might still try the Pacific.
That’s why you have to make the good decisions.
3. Hot Sand Is No Joke
If the sand is too hot for your bare feet…
It’s too hot for mine.
Simple test.
Take your shoes off.
Stand there for a few seconds.
If you immediately regret your life choices, imagine doing it without shoes every day.
Walk near the water where the sand is cooler or head home until later.
4. Shade Isn’t Optional
I know.
The sun feels amazing.
Until it doesn’t.
Dogs overheat much faster than people realize, especially if we’re running, swimming, wrestling with our friends and chasing tennis balls like our lives depend on it.
Bring an umbrella.
Take breaks.
Cool us down before we think we need it.
Because let’s be honest…
We’re probably not going to stop playing on our own.
5. Watch the Waves
Big waves can knock over little dogs.
They can also surprise big dogs.
Never assume your dog is as comfortable in the ocean as you are.
If they’re hesitant, don’t force them.
Some dogs are surfers.
Some are professional sand inspectors.
Both jobs are equally respectable.
6. Keep an Eye on Other Dogs
Most dogs at the beach are awesome.
Some…
Not so much.
I’ve learned that firsthand.
Watch body language.
If another dog seems overly excited, pushy or aggressive, there’s nothing wrong with calling your dog away and creating some space.
Leaving one beach game early beats spending the afternoon at the emergency vet.
7. Pack a Beach Bag for Your Dog
Dad’s beach bag usually has:
Fresh water.
A collapsible bowl.
A towel.
Poop bags.
Treats.
A leash.
And an extra tennis ball.
Because apparently losing one tennis ball is a national emergency.
8. Check for Stingers, Shells and Hooks
The beach is beautiful.
It’s also full of things that don’t belong in my mouth.
Or my paws.
Keep an eye out for broken shells, fishing hooks, jellyfish and anything else that looks interesting enough for a curious dog to investigate.
Remember…
Dogs don’t read warning signs.
9. Rinse Off Before Going Home
Salt.
Sand.
Seaweed.
Whatever mysterious smell I rolled in because it seemed like a fantastic idea.
A quick rinse helps keep our skin healthy and keeps all that sand out of your car.
Dad appreciates that part.
10. Make the Last Memory a Good One
Don’t stay until everyone’s exhausted.
Leave while your dog is still having fun.
That way the next time you grab the leash, they’ll remember the beach as one of the happiest places in the world.
One Last Thing…
The beach is still my favorite place on Earth.
Nothing about that day at Del Mar changed that.
But it did remind Dad and me that nature deserves respect.
The beach doesn’t care if you’ve been there a hundred times.
The ocean doesn’t care how strong a swimmer you are.
Things can change in seconds.
So laugh.
Throw the ball one more time.
Take the picture.
Watch the sunset.
Just keep one eye on your best friend while you’re making those memories.
Because at the end of the day, the best beach trip isn’t the one where I chased the most balls.
It’s the one where we both came home together.
See you in the sand,
Kodiak
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