In case of emergency, dial the park’s dispatch office at (361) 949-8173, extension 0.  If a dispatcher is not available, hang up – then dial 911.

If you have a medical emergency during your visit, contact a park ranger immediately or go to the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center. Several park employees are Emergency Medical Technicians and can provide advanced care while obtaining assistance from the Corpus Christi emergency medical system. If an employee is not immediately available, you may summon assistance for any emergency by dialing  911.

The closest hospital is Bay Area-Corpus Christi Medical Center, located at the corner of South Padre Drive and Rodd Field Road in Corpus Chirsti. This facility is 24 miles from the Visitor Center.

Portuguese Man-of War are found at the park throughout the year. These attractive, blue jellyfish cause a painful sting, which is usually accompanied by redness and some swelling of the affected skin area. If stung, seek first aid. A very small percentage of those stung will experience an allergic reaction, which can cause difficulty breathing, numbness in the arms, legs or elsewhere, severe pain and/or disorientation or unconsciousness. Visitors experiencing these or other symptoms should notify a park ranger immediately and seek medical attention.

Driving

Beaches are Texas public highways. 

If you are driving, be aware that pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times and do not always watch for approaching vehicles. 

Conversely,  drivers are not always cognizant of pedestrians.    If you are a pedestrian on the beach, please watch for oncoming traffic and be aware of where your children are at all times.

Drive with caution and strictly observe posted speed limits.

Firearms

Loaded firearms are strictly prohibited. A concealed handgun license issued under the authority of the Sate of Texas, or another state, is not valid at the National Seashore.

Unloaded weapons may be possessed only when such weapons are rendered temporarily inoperable, or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

Boating

Jet skis, air boats and kite surfing are prohibited. 

For the safety of all visitors, boaters launching from Bird Island Basin must avoid the NO BOATS buoy line west of the boat ramp near the windsurfing area.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages may be consumed at the park; however, open containers are not allowed in moving vehicles. Be safe. If you drink, don’t drive. Visitors found to be driving under the influence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Swimming

Use caution when swimming and never swim alone.  Strong currents flowing parallel to the beach, tides flowing to and from the beach and sudden drop-offs in the surf can be dangerous for swimmers and waders alike.

If caught in a riptide, do not panic. Swim parallel to the beach until you are free from the flow, then swim to shore. Do not attempt to swim to shore against the flow. You will not make it.

Fireworks

Fireworks are prohibited.

Rattlesnakes

Two species of rattlesnakes live in the dunes, grasslands and mudflats. Visitors should avoid walking in these areas.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materialsperiodically wash ashore. These range from 55 gallon barrels containing unknown substances to used medical products. If you come upon hazardous materials, note the location and alert a park ranger.