Heading down the shore before Labor Day? Keep these safety tips in mind to ensure your time is memorable for all the right reasons.
1. Don’t swim without a lifeguard
You should never swim anywhere without a lifeguard, but this rule is especially important to follow in the ocean. Lifeguards have experience that you don’t, no matter how many safety tips you read. They’re trained to recognize dangerous situations before they happen, which can make all the difference in the world.
Currents will often push you down the beach while you’re swimming, so make sure you move back every now and then to stay within a lifeguard’s sight.
2. Pay attention to warning flags
It’s never worth going out into the water when there’s a red flag, which means strong waves and currents. A yellow flag means moderate waves and currents—rough but not dangerous if you’re careful. Stay alert at all times even if there’s a green flag.
Sometimes you may see a purple flag, too—this typically means to watch out for ocean pests like jellyfish.
3. Watch for rip currents
Rip currents are the leading cause of ocean drownings and rescues. Instead of following like the shore like regular currents, they flow quickly away from shore. Trained lifeguards are able to spot rip currents from a distance, but they can take regular swimmers by surprise.
If you’re caught in a rip current, wave your arms to signal distress to the lifeguard and swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the rip current, then swim back to shore.
4. Be generous with sunscreen
Sunburn isn’t just painful—it severely increases your chances of developing skin cancer later in life. Follow the instructions on your sunscreen—if it says to re-apply every 80 minutes or after going in the water, do it!
5. Recognize signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is dangerous. Spend some time out of the sun, and watch for signs like:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Cramps
- Headache
If you or someone else starts to exhibit any of these symptoms, get out of the sun immediately. Usually they’ll go away with some shade and water, but if they persist or worsen, seek medical attention.
6. Drink plenty of water
You need more fluids than usual when you’re in the sun and expending energy with swimming and other beach activities. Forgetting to stay hydrated puts you at risk for heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
7. Stay sober
Alcohol and water don’t mix. It plays a role in 70% of all water recreation deaths, and sun exposure only heightens its effects on your judgment, balance and coordination. It also dehydrates you, further increasing your risk of heat-related illnesses.
Leave a Reply