By Solomon Wiesen, TLV Beaches. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Tel Aviv beaches are busy, free and easy to reach, which is also why phones, bags and wallets go missing. This guide covers the basics of staying safe in the water and keeping your belongings with you.
Quick answers
- Who do I call in an emergency? Police: 100. Ambulance (Magen David Adom): 101. Fire: 102. 112 also works from a mobile phone.
- What is the biggest risk to my belongings? Leaving a phone, wallet or bag on the sand while everyone in your group swims.
- Where can I store things? See our guide to lockers and storage near the beach.
Theft prevention checklist
- Bring only what you need. Leave passports, spare cards and extra cash at your hotel or home.
- Use a locker when one is available. It is the safest option if the whole group wants to swim.
- Never leave valuables unattended on the sand, even for a short swim. Take turns: one person stays with the bags.
- Do not put your phone or keys on top of a towel. Keep them inside a closed bag under your things.
- Use a waterproof pouch if you want your phone with you in the water.
- Choose a spot near other people and near a lifeguard tower, not an empty stretch of sand.
- Photograph what you are carrying before you go, and turn on find-my-phone features.
If something is stolen
- Tell a lifeguard or call the police on 100.
- Block your cards with your bank right away.
- Lock or locate your phone with its find-my-phone feature.
- File a police report at the nearest station; you will usually need it for insurance.
Water safety basics
- Swim only when lifeguards are on duty. Lifeguard hours change by season, so check the municipality before you go.
- Learn the beach flags. See our guide to the beach flags; a black flag means do not swim.
- Do not swim alone, after drinking, or with young children out of arm reach.
- If you are caught in a strong current, do not fight it. Swim across it, not against it, and wave for help.
- Drink water and use sun protection; midday heat is strong in summer.
Real stories from Tel Aviv beaches
This section is being added. Have you had something stolen at a Tel Aviv beach? Share it with us so other visitors can learn from it.
Related: Lockers and storage | Beach flags | Seaside hotels | Home
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