Beach Safety
A day at the beach can be the perfect summer escape with sunshine, salty air, and the soothing rhythm of the waves. But before you roll out your towel and dive into the water, it’s important to remember that the beach can pose real risks if you’re not prepared. Here are some essential beach safety tips to help keep your trip safe, relaxing, and enjoyable:
Swim where lifeguards are present
Always choose beaches with on-duty lifeguards. They’re trained to spot danger before it happens and can respond quickly in an emergency. Stay within the designated swimming areas and pay attention to flags or posted signs.
Flotation devices
Poor or non-swimmers who are using floatation devices, especially a device not attached to the body, should never be more than waist deep in the ocean. Loss of a floatation device in water over a person’s head can result in tragedy.
Watch for rip currents
Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving channels of water that can pull swimmers away from shore. If caught in one, don’t panic or try to swim against it. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then head back in.
Avoid head, neck, and back injuries
Spinal cord injuries are a serious concern when swimming in the ocean and are usually associated with body surfing or diving headfirst into a wave and hitting the ocean floor. Most spinal cord injuries are preventable.
Do not dive headfirst into unknown water.
Do not dive toward the bottom into oncoming waves. Hold your hands out in front of your head and dive through the wave. Another safe method of negotiating the waves is to squat down and allow the wave to roll over top of you.
Always be aware of the wave action. Do not stand in the water with your back to the waves.
Avoid bodysurfing, boogie boarding, or surfing at the crest of the wave. This practice will result in a rapid, dangerous drop from the top of the wave to the bottom of the wave. Always ride the shoulder of a wave.
In a “wipeout,” land as flat as possible with your hands in front of you.
While bodysurfing, keep your arms in front of you to protect your head and neck.
Check weather and water conditions
Always check the forecast before heading to the beach. Lightning, strong surf, or water contamination advisories can make swimming dangerous. Be aware of tide times and currents, especially if you’re venturing near rocks or jetties. Follow the 30/30 rule during an electric storm. Leave the beach and seek safe shelter when less than 30 seconds occurs between the sighting of lightning and the hearing of thunder (flash-to-bang count). Do not return to the beach until 30 minutes have passed after your last flash-to-bang count.
Do not play around or climb on rock jetties and groins
Fish hooks and broken glass frequently collect around these structures. Additionally, permanent rip currents often form near jetties and groins.
Don't feed the seagulls
Feeding birds might seem harmless, but it can quickly turn into a chaotic scene. Seagulls are aggressive and may swarm, dive, or steal food from unsuspecting beachgoers. Feeding them also encourages bad behavior and can harm the local ecosystem. Last but not least, they bite.
Apply and reapply sunscreen
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours and more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Don’t forget commonly missed spots like your ears, feet, and the back of your neck. Additionally, protect your eyes with sunglasses. Use an umbrella and hat when sitting on the beach for an extended period of time.
Stay Hydrated
The sun and saltwater can dehydrate you fast. Bring a refillable water bottle and drink regularly throughout the day. Avoid too many sugary or alcoholic drinks, as they can make dehydration worse.
Fill in holes
Never dig parallel to the sand’s surface (a tunnel). Eventually the tunnel will collapse and suffocate anyone inside the tunnel. The sides of a hole dug in sand can also collapse. Dig holes only to a waist-deep depth. If more than one person is in the hole, the depth should be waist-deep of the shortest person in the hole. Holes should not be left unattended and should be filled in before you leave the beach.
Beware of hot sand
Sand can get extremely hot, especially in the peak afternoon hours, and can cause burns to your feet or pets’ paws. This is especially true with young children whose feet are tender and not callused. Small children’s feet can actually burn to the point of blistering. Wear sandals or water shoes and test the sand’s temperature before walking barefoot for long distances. Sharp shells, broken glass, or hidden marine life can cause cuts or stings.
Supervise children constantly
Even in shallow water, children should be within arm’s reach. Don’t rely on floaties or water wings because they’re not a substitute for supervision or approved life vests. Walk small children to the lifeguard stand and instruct them to go to the stand whenever they are lost. Bring a unique flag or umbrella for children to use as a landmark. Special-needs children should be introduced to the lifeguards. When you arrive at the beach, for added safety, take a cellphone picture of your child’s beach attire.
Secure umbrellas
Make sure beach umbrellas are anchored securely in the sand. Do not use an umbrella when high winds could possibly carry the umbrella down the beach and injure beach-goers. When an umbrella is flying down the beach, never approach it head-on. Approach an umbrella from behind as if you are chasing it.
Leave no trace
Keep the beach beautiful by cleaning up after yourself. Bring reusable containers, throw away trash properly, and avoid disturbing wildlife or plants. Respecting the environment ensures a safe and clean beach for everyone.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, staying mindful of these beach safety basics helps ensure everyone has a good time without any unexpected trips to the lifeguard stand or urgent care. Stay safe and enjoy the sun!
