When visiting the beach, there are a few things you need to know to stay safe. Keeping these safety tips in mind while you are in the water will help you make sure you and your family have a great time. Strong waves can cause serious injuries. These range from sprains to broken collarbones and dislocated shoulders. Even more serious injuries can result in blunt organ trauma and spinal injuries. To prevent injuries, always face the waves when approaching them.
First, you need to know the warning flags. Know the meaning of the flags and their locations. Some beaches have warning signs in different colors, so make sure you know what you’re looking for. If you can’t find a lifeguard station, you can ask the beach patrol to help you navigate the area. Also, if the beach you’re visiting doesn’t have any lifeguards on duty, stay out of the water.
If you’re swimming alone, keep an eye on the tide. During low tide, rip currents are at their strongest. You’ll find these currents near jetties and piers. Although many people mistake waves for rip currents, the rip currents pose a higher risk of drowning. If you’re caught in one, swim parallel to the current and the shore. It’s better to get out of the water than to get sucked in.
Before heading to the beach, always know your swimming capabilities. Make sure your children are supervised by someone nearby. Make sure they are wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and always swim with a friend nearby. Taking a water safety course will help you avoid dangerous rip currents and riptides, which cause nearly 100 deaths each year. If you’re unsure of what to do, just raise your hand and call for help.
Never swim alone. It’s easy to get lost in the ocean, but it’s not uncommon for people to get separated. Always swim with a friend, or at least have someone on shore to keep an eye on you. This way, if you’re having trouble, you can signal for help and get back onshore without having to worry about where you’re going. If your partner becomes separated from you, always ask a lifeguard if possible.
Watch the weather. When visiting the beach, be aware of local and national warnings for dangerous weather conditions. Always remember to check the UV index before you leave the house. Some beaches are not safe for swimming in high-UV levels. You can also sign up for a free app called My AcuRite to receive customizable alerts for unsafe UV levels. While at the beach, use sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Be aware of lightning. Lightning is the second leading cause of fatalities from storms, and you’ll want to be aware of any activity that may occur. During a storm, it’s important to seek shelter in an enclosed building or vehicle – preferably a hard-top car. You should also avoid the beach 30 minutes after a thunder clap. If a storm does occur, be sure to get out of the water immediately and call a lifeguard.
Be vigilant of rip currents. These powerful currents usually occur near ocean breakers. They may be confused with riptides or undertow. These currents can be as long as 2,500 feet in length and only thirty feet wide. You can spot these currents by their dark mud and foam floating out to sea. Be careful not to panic, but instead swim parallel to the shore and if you get caught, do not try to swim against them. You’ll likely reach safety if you do this.
If you’re a dog owner, you may be wondering whether you can bring your dog to the beach. Most beaches allow dogs between September 16th and March 31st and April 1st to May 14th. But if you’re looking for a place to take your dog, check out Windmill Beach, where you can park your car and ride your bike to the beach. If you’re worried about ticks, you can also check out a list of beaches in the Cape Cod area.