If you are planning a fun-filled day at the beach with your family, the following tips will help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable:
1. Learn How to Swim.
Know how to swim before you hit the beach. Even waist-deep water can be dangerous if you can’t swim. Non-swimmers and small children should wear properly sized lifejackets.
2. Bring Sun Protection
Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Make sure your sunscreen is waterproof and has an SPF of at least 15. For ultimate protection, invest in a good beach umbrella or rent one at the beach.
3. Lifeguards On Duty
Select a beach with lifeguards on duty, and ask them where the safe places are. Always swim in an area close to where lifeguard stations are located. In the event of an emergency, they will be able to respond faster.
4. Supervise Children Closely
Watch your children actively, aggressively and attentively at all times even if a lifeguard is present. Lifeguards must watch over everyone on their section of the beach, so don’t expect them to babysit. If another adult is present, take turns.
5. Feet First
Always enter the water feet-first. Never dive into the water or enter head-first, regardless of the water’s depth. You can easily injure your neck, or even worse, become a quadriplegic.
6. Never Swim Alone
It is very dangerous to swim alone in the ocean, so always partner up with another good swimmer. Weak swimmers should always pick a stronger swimmer as a buddy.
7. Use Caution When the Surf’s Up
Strong winds mean strong waves, and taller, frequent waves mean stronger currents. These stronger currents can easily pull swimmers away from the beach, so use caution.
8. Rip Currents
Be sure to ask about rip currents at your beach, and never go in the water if they are present. If you are caught in a rip current, do not panic or fight it; take a deep breath and swim parallel to the shore.
9. Look, Don’t Touch
The beach is full of wildlife, including birds, turtles and other marine life. Do not get too close or try to touch them, even if they are injured. You may hurt the animal or yourself. If you spot an injured animal, please contact the authorities.
10. Stay Cool
Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks to avoid the risk of heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Remember to reapply sunscreen whenever you exit the water.
