A Safe Day Equals a Sunny Day- Beach Safety 101

There are so many things to remember when heading to the beach; towel, lounge chair, a good book, sunglasses- the thought of safety could slip your mind. But slipping up on safety can turn a day at the beach into a day you want to forget.

The number one thing to remember at the beach is personal safety. Keep yourself hydrated, avoid alcohol, wear plenty of sunscreen and know when it’s time to take a break from the sun. Avoid bringing glass to the beach, as broken glass is a danger to everyone.

A quick way to ruin a great beach day is getting something stolen while you are in the water or away from your things. Don’t bring valuables to the beach and keep what you can in a waterproof bag. If you must bring valuables, take turns having someone watch over them.

Before you decide to venture into the water, read signs put out by lifeguards and heed any warning flags about riptides, undertows or strong currents. If you are unsure about whether you should go out, err on the side of caution and remember the saying, “if in doubt, don’t go out.”

Every beach is different so take some time to look around and get a feel for the water before going in. There are three main types of ocean breaks: beach breaks that break over a sandbar, reef breaks that are caused by an underwater coral reef and point breaks, where waves crash onto land or rocks. Each type of break can be dangerous in different ways so don’t be shy about asking a lifeguard where the safest spots are.

Once you are in the water there are certain creatures you will want to avoid. One of the most common is the jellyfish. Jellyfish stings are certainly unpleasant, but about as harmful as a bee sting. If stung, scrape the area with a credit card to remove tentacles and apply white vinegar to the area to ease the burn. Sharks and stingrays also roam the waters but are far less common. If injured by either of these creatures seek medical attention immediately.

Beach safety extends from outside the break of the waves so remember to use common sense when walking or playing on the beach. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t be afraid to ask a lifeguard if you or someone else needs help.

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