Beach Bound?
The beach is a common vacation destination year-round. We love going to the beach, although I am not a water person. That sounds weird but I love the sand, sun, and just hanging out. The sound of the ocean is so soothing to me. In fact, I have a sleep noise maker machine in our bedroom that stays on the beach sound.
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Are You Water and Beach Safety Smart?
This applies to pools, lakes, and the ocean.
Check The Weather Forecast
Lightning and large bodies of water don’t mix. Avoid the beach if there’s lightning in the forecast and wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder boom before heading back out to the sand or pool.
Know What The Beach Safety Flags Mean
Beach warning flags may vary between states, so do your research before going.
Red Flags
The most serious of all beach warning flags, red flags warn swimmers of severe hazards in the water. One red flag means that the surf is high or there are dangerous currents or both. Two red flags mean that the water is closed to swimming, as conditions are too dangerous for even the strongest swimmers.
Yellow flags
Yellow flags indicate moderate surf and currents — the water is likely to be rough but not exceedingly dangerous. If you’re swimming with children, or you aren’t a strong swimmer yourself, wear a life jacket when swimming on yellow-flag days.
Green flags
Green Flags indicate the ocean is calm or clear. Even on green flag days, stay alert for changes.
Blue or Purple flags
Blue or purple flags often indicate that potentially dangerous marine life (think sharks or jellyfish) are in the area or have been spotted nearby.
Know How To Swim
Ocean swimming is different from pool swimming. In the ocean, the tide can pull you off your feet or the bottom can drop unexpectedly. Teach your kids to swim also – the younger the better.
Use the buddy system when swimming or around large bodies of water.
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear approved life jackets in and around the water.
If you’re going boating, every passenger should wear a properly sized life jacket at all times.
Lifeguard
If you have the option to swim and play where there is a lifeguard, that is your best pick. Lifeguards are there for a reason — they know and can see things about the beach that most beach-goers don’t. Most drownings occur where there is no lifeguard.
Rip Currents
A rip current is basically a strong channel of water extending from the shore out into the water. Rip currents are the number one hazard for beach-goers and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea.
Rip currents also tend to form near a shallow point in the water, such as a sandbar, or close to jetties and piers, and can happen at any beach with breaking waves.
If you see a current of choppy, off-colored water extending from the shore, steer clear!
If you get caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm and don’t fight the current
- Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current
- Then turn and swim toward the shore
- If you can’t make it to shore, wave your arms and make noise to get help
Stay Sober
Among drowning-related injuries of people aged 15 years or older, almost 22 percent were alcohol-related. Alcohol impairs your judgment and dehydrates you. Save that fruity drink for a time when you are not at the water’s edge.
Protect Your Body
The sand gets very hot and is not only uncomfortable but can actually cause burns. Have a pair of shoes to use when walking around. Flip flops will work and water shoes are great. The sand will also have shell pieces that may be sharp.
Wear a hat to help with the heat. Use a broad-spectrum sunblock to avoid skin cancer later on in life. Have an umbrella or tent if possible to provide some shade.
Your eyes can get burned also, so wear sunglasses.
At the beach, stay hydrated with plenty of water. Dehydration and long exposure to high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sun poisoning. #Beach #Dehydration #Safety Share on X Symptoms of these illnesses include confusion and dizziness, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, excessive sweating or lack of sweating, pale skin, swelling (particularly of the hands or face), rapid heartbeat, and confusion.
If someone displays any of these symptoms, get out of the sun and heat, remove any unnecessary clothing, drink plenty of water, and take a cool bath or shower.
Be Aware Of The Waves
Playing in the waves is a lot of fun, but can cause injuries such as sprains, broken collarbone, and spinal injury. The waves are much more powerful than you might think. Don’t put your back to the waves.
Pay especially close attention to children and elderly persons when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause a loss of footing.
Be Aware Of Ocean life
Shark attacks are not as common as we might think, but it is extremely important to be aware of your surrounding area.Other creatures such as crabs and jellyfish can also cause injury.
Jellyfish have tentacles with venom-filled stingers that penetrate the skin. If stung, pour vinegar on the affected area or apply a baking soda paste. Seek medical attention if these remedies don’t work.
Common Sense
Many of these safety tips are common sense, but definitely things you need to think about when heading to your beach vacation or pool outing.
Let’s have fun but return home safely!
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