It’s summer, and a popular destination for vacation is,
understandably, the beach. A day at the beach can make for some great memories.
However the ocean comes with a huge host of dangers, some from the water
itself, and some from the people. It’s important to practice safety when you
head to the ocean for the day.
First, we want to address the issue of crowd safety.
Be aware of the time of day and year that you are going to
the beach. If possible, avoid going around major holidays, when many other
people will be heading to the beach. Huge crowds can be a problem for a number
of reasons. More people means less attention for you from the lifeguards,
simply because there are so many people to watch. If you have children, it is
easy for them to get lost in big crowds and harder for you to keep an eye on
them. This goes for both in and out of the water. Out of the water be sure your
children are nearby. In the water, keep a close eye on your child while they
swim. Even better, always go in the water with them.
You also have to be selective of what beach you choose. If
you are taking children make sure the beach you select is family friendly. If
not, be sure the beach has the type of crowd you want to participate in. Some
beaches have rowdy crowds, forcing you to take extra safety precautions.
The other thing we want to address is water safety.
The best thing you can do when swimming in the ocean is swim
with a swim buddy. In addition, always swim within view of a lifeguard. When
you take these steps if something goes wrong it is easier to get help. The
leading cause of swimming related incidents has to do with rip currents. Read
up on the specifics of rip currents so you know how to escape if you get caught
in one. Be sure to watch out for aquatic life as well. People know to watch for
sharks, but that’s not the only danger out there. Jellyfish, and even some
plants can be dangerous, so keep your distance.
Another tip is to always keep your eye on the weather. Check
the forecast before you go, and periodically while you are there. If you see
lightning, even in the distance, get out of the water. Weather conditions can
change very quickly, so you need to be paying attention.
We don’t say any of this to dissuade anyone from heading to
the beach for vacation. The ocean is a fascinating, relaxing, and fun thing to
experience. We simply remind you that despite this, there are dangers to be
aware of. Use common sense, stay safe, and enjoy the beach!
