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Beach
Safety
BEACH
AND SURF SAFETY: Basic Safety Tips & Rip Tide Information
Like most people during the summer months...When
the tempter rises, you’ll grab the kids, load the
car and head out for the beach. Just don’t forget
to keep the safety of your self and your loved ones in
mind. While the beach can be a great place to cool off
this summer, it’s also important to respect the power
of the ocean. One of the leading causes of accidental
death in the United States is drowning…killing nearly
5,000 people each year. For children ages 1 to 2 years
old, it’s usually the leading cause of death year
after year.
Basic
Beach Safety Tips:
- Make sure lifeguards are on duty and ask about surf
conditions before going in the water.
- Try and swim in an area near a lifeguard tower and
never swim alone. Only swim in designated areas.
- Never dive in the surf head first. The water is
not always clear and you may not notice any obstructions
or how shallow the water in front of you is.
- Don’t swim out to far or overestimate your
swimming ability. Never depend on flotation devices
for your safety. Swim parallel to the shore if you
want to swim long distances.
- Never drink alcohol and swim.
- ALWAYS keep an eye on your children. Don’t
turn away, even for a moment. Children can fall below
the surface in a second and it can be impossible to
find them fast enough.
- Always hold the hands of younger children. Sudden
changes in surf direction can separate them from you
in an instant.
- Swim parallel to the shore if you want to swim long
distances.
- Wear “Water Shoes” or sandals on the beach
to avoid broken glass and sharp shells.
- Lightning strikes at the beach are common in thunder
storms. If you hear thunder, get out of the water
immediately. Seek shelter in a building or automobile.
If no shelter is available, find the lowest spot possible
and avoid open spaces. Don't sit under an umbrella
and stay away from metal objects like aluminum chairs.
- If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic.
Raise and wave your arm for help, float and wait for
assistance.
- Wear sunscreen, with at least a level 15 sun protection
factor, to protect against burns.
RIP
TIDE INFORMATION:
What
is a "Rip Tide"
Often mistakenly called undertows, these
powerful currents pull even experienced swimmers away
from shore. Panic and drowning often result. The currents
are formed when water rushes out to sea in a narrow path.
This happens when there is a break in a near shore sandbar
or the current is diverted by a groin, jetty or other
barrier. Rip currents can extend 1,000 feet offshore,
reach 100 feet in width and travel up to 3 mph. Some are
present a few hours; others are permanent. Rip currents
are more prevalent after storms.
Telltale
signs of a rip tide:
- A difference in water color - either murkier from
sediments or darker from greater depth.
- A difference in the waves - larger, choppier waves
in the rip current; smaller, calmer waves in front
of the bar.
- Foam or objects moving steadily seaward.
- An offshore plume of turbid water past the sandbars.
Polarized sunglasses cut glare and help to spot rip
currents.
What
To Do:
If you’re caught in a rip current,
don’t panic or swim against the current. Swim parallel
to shore until you are out of the current. Rip currents
are rarely more than 30 feet wide. If you can’t break
out of the current, float calmly until it dissipates,
usually just beyond the breakers. Then swim diagonally
to shore. If you don’t swim well, stay in wading
depths and watch for sudden drop-offs.
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