WELLFLEET -- This is clearly a summer like no other. This is the first time in history that Cape Cod National Seashore will operate during a global pandemic, Seashore Superintendent Brian Carlstrom said in a statement issued as the season officially began in early July.

Even in these unusual times, we will provide public access and do our best to educate the public about how to safely recreate during the pandemic, while reminding them of regular safety precautions they need to take when visiting the wild and wonderful beaches on the Outer Cape, he added.

The unique coastline of Outer Cape Cod is dynamic and changes from year to year. The tides, wind, and waves all influence regional sediment transport that causes coastline erosion and accretion. In addition, seals and sharks have become more prominent on the Outer Cape, presenting additional challenges to public safety at the beach.

The public needs to understand that with coastline topography changes and sharks and seals in the ocean, any level of activity in the ocean, whether wading, swimming or surfing will pose a different degree of risk. Everyone going into the ocean should exercise caution and be willing to assume the level of risk associated with their behavior prior to entering the water. Modifying human behavior is the most effective form of ocean safety, the statement said.

Two shark attacks on humans cast a pall over the 2018 season, when Arthur Medici died from injuries he sustained in mid-September off Newcomb Hollow, in Wellfleet, and William Lytton survived a serious attack at Truros Longnook, in August.

Neither of the beaches are Seashore-managed, but are in the same general area of the Capes backshore, where the Seashore operates three beaches in addition to Herring Cove, in Provincetown.

Great white sharks, and other sharks, are known to frequent the waters of all the Atlantic beaches and the Herring Cove area, too.

Currently, there is no single alternative or suite of alternatives that can 100 percent guarantee the safety of individuals who choose to enter the water, says the Seashore, which issued these safety guidelines:

Be Shark Smart

Look for products developed by the Regional Shark Working Group to increase public awareness and safety, including beach signage, brochures, purple shark flags, the Sharktivity app, and a shark smart video.

Stay away from seals and schools of fish, as they attract sharks.

Use the Sharktivity app to track and report shark sightings

Know the location of the emergency call box and Stop the Bleed kits at your beach.

Ocean Safety Basics

Never turn your back to the ocean.

Never swim alone. Swim, kayak, paddle, and surf in groups.

Avoid murky and low visibility water.

Stay close to the shore where rescuers could reach you if needed.

Be alert for rip currents, shore break, and strong undertows.

If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly. Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards the shore. If you cannot swim out of the current, float or calmly tread water. If you cannot reach the shore, draw attention to yourself - wave your arms and yell for help. If you see someone in trouble - get help from a lifeguard. If there is no lifeguard on duty, call 911.

Beach Safety Basics

Wear sun protection.

Glass containers are not allowed on Seashore beaches.

Rafts, rubber tubes, masks, and snorkels are not allowed on lifeguarded beaches.

Sand collapses easily. Undercut cliffs can collapse at any time without warning. Deep holes can lead to burial and suffocation. Do not climb slopes and dunes or dig holes deeper than knee level of the smallest person in your group.

Other changes

As earlier reported, the Seashore this season does not have lifeguards assigned to either Herring Cove, in Provincetown, or Head of the Meadow, in Truro.

Due to the seashores health precautions during Covid-19, there is not enough housing to allow for proper social distancing protocols for seasonal staff. Therefore, fewer lifeguards will staff the beaches this summer, a statement in late June said.

All other Seashore beaches have lifeguards through Labor Day: Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach in Eastham, Marconi Beach in Wellfleet, and Race Point Beach in Provincetown.

The daily entry fee for vehicles at all Seashore beaches was increased to $25. (The Seashore is not charging entry fees at Head of the Meadow.)

Visitor centers and public showers are closed.

Bathroom facilities are available at all beaches. They will be sanitized on a regular basis.

Rangers will provide information and orientation services outdoors on the visitor center grounds. There will be no programs, and historic buildings, such as the Old Lifesaving Station at Race Point, will remain closed.

Covid-19 safety

The Seashore says visitors should adjust their expectations and should practice social distancing, personal hygiene, and other behaviors to avoid infection in public areas.

* Keep at least 6 feet between you and others.

* Place beach blankets at least 12 feet apart so there is walking room between you and others.

* Wear a face covering where social distancing cannot be maintained.

* Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

* Stay home if you feel sick.

* Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth.

For more information on the Cape Cod National Seashore, go to nps.gov/caco

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Season guide to the National Seashore - Wicked Local Cape Cod