At the beach, you can have a ton of fun. Swim in the water, throw a Frisbee along the surf or just put your toes in the wet sand. Everyone loves a trip to the beach.
The beach is so much fun that sometimes people forget about the possible dangers, like bad weather, rip currents and other hazards. Don’t let these threats ruin your day at the beach. Stay safe with these beach safety tips:
Check the Weather Forecast
Rain, thunderstorms, lightning and other kinds of bad weather can occur at the beach. Know before you go; check the weather forecast at weather.gov to find out how hot it will be and if thunderstorms are expected.
Check the Surf Zone Forecast
Great weather for the beach does not always mean it is safe to swim. Make sure you check the surf zone forecast at www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/forecasts.shtml. Forecasts are available for many popular beaches. The surf zone is the area of water between the first breaking waves and shore line. This is where most people swim or play in the water when at the beach.
Always Swim at a Beach with Lifeguards
The chances of drowning at a beach with lifeguards are 1 in 18 million. Always swim at a beach with lifeguards. Always follow a lifeguard’s instructions. When swimming at a beach without a lifeguard, a person is five times more likely to drown than when swimming at a beach with a lifeguard.
Break the Grip of the Rip®
Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore that quickly pull swimmers out to sea. If caught in a rip current, don’t fight the current. Stay calm and try to float. If you can’t return to the shore, call or wave for help. Situations like rip currents are why it’s so important to only swim at a beach with lifeguards.
Know What the Warning Flags Mean
Beach warning flags can be found at a lifeguard’s stand. It is important to know what these flags mean. A green flag means to use caution. A red flag means there is a high surf or strong currents. Stay out of the water if a red flag is flying. Talk to the lifeguard if you have questions about beach conditions; they are there to help.
Bring a Friend
Never swim alone! Make sure that you’re with a parent or an adult at all times. If you go swimming with a group, make sure to leave someone on the beach as a spotter and another who can go for help. Have a cell phone, and know the location/address of the beach you are on.
Safety First, Fun Second
When you go to the beach, put safety first and fun second. Following these simple steps will help you and your family stay safe at the beach.
