Safety Blog #4-Beach Safety

This time of year is one most children look forward too! Warmer weather, vacations, and no school!  While you are enjoying summer break and your kids are home, you might plan some trips to the beach. The beach is a fun place for building sand castles, playing in the waves, and enjoying the rays of sunshine. Although it is fun and games, the beach can also be dangerous. Below are some safety tips for you to use when going to the beach.

1. Swim in a designated area where there is a lifeguard- if in the event you need help, having a lifeguard present is very important. Swimming in an area where there is a lifeguard on duty is recommended when you have children.

2. Always wear a life-jacket! Young children should wear an approved life vest when in the water. Even if they're just playing in the water up to their knees. The ocean is unpredictable, and waves can knock your child off their feet. It is important that they have the ability to float if something like this happens.

3. Always swim with someone. Having a swimming buddy is a helpful safety measure.

4. Look out for rip tides and moving water, such as large waves.  The water at the beach can look calm and safe, but rip tides and other moving currents can be dangerous, and hard to see. Always exercise caution and look out for currents that can take you down the beach or out to sea.

5. Pay attention to the beach flags! There are designated colors that most beaches will put out allowing you to know the safety of the beach. Here is a rundown of the colors:

   1. Red- Red flags mean that there are severe hazards in the water such as rip tides, or the surf is high. Two red flags mean the water is closed for swimming as the water is extremely dangerous.

   2. Yellow- Yellow flags warn that the water is rough, such as potentially high surf,  strong currents, and undertows. This flag means caution when swimming. If you plan to swim when there is a yellow flag, your child should wear a life jacket when swimming.

   3. Green- Green flags mean that the water and beach is “all-clear”. This means that dangerous conditions are not present, and it is safe to swim. Even when there is a green flag, you should exercise caution when swimming in the ocean.

   4. Blue/Purple- If you see a blue or purple colored flag, this indicates that there has been a potentially dangerous ocean animal spotted. This includes jellyfish, sharks, and other dangerous animals. Use caution when swimming with this type of flag, so the water may still remain open to swim.

6. Protection from the sun!  Most beaches do not provide shady spots or beach umbrellas. Make sure you bring your own beach umbrella and lots and lots of sunscreen!  Re-apply often, and make sure you bring lots of fluids to keep your children and yourself hydrated.

7. Wear shoes to the beach.  This might sound funny but, if you've ever stepped onto the sand that has been baking in direct sun, you know that it is extremely hot. Make sure your children, yourself, and even dogs have some form of protection from the extremely hot sand on their feet. So bring beach shoes or flip-flops to wear during the hottest part of the day to keep those feet and toes protected!

8. Don’t dive into the ocean.  Most beaches that you'll swim at are not deep enough to dive into. To avoid head and neck injuries, don’t attempt to dive into the water but instead go feet first.

This is a general overview of some very important beach safety tips. There are always more safety measures you can use depending on the beach area you are swimming at. Always use caution when swimming, whether it is the beach, lake, or pool, and remember to have fun!!