Cabin fever is a real thing. After a long winter, you want to get outside. You want to get rid of your jackets and mittens. You want to go to the beach!
Every year, thousands of families head to the beach for spring break. It’s a time to relax with your toes in the sand! Soak up some rays! Have some fun in the sun!
But don’t let the good times fool you. The beach is beautiful but also a little bit dangerous, if you’re not careful. Some of the dangers you can find at the beach include heat exhaustion, getting sunburnt and rip currents.
What can you do to stay safe on spring break?
1. Only swim at beaches where a lifeguard is present. Lifeguards are there to keep you safe. Never go swimming without a lifeguard. This is the most important safety tip to remember when you go to the beach.
2. Break the grip of the rip! Rip currents are dangerous currents that can pull you out to sea.
If caught in the grip of the rip, don’t panic. Try to swim parallel to the shoreline until you can escape the current’s pull. If you can’t reach shore, call or wave for help. Remember: Wave and yell … swim parallel!
3. Drink plenty of water at the beach. If you don’t drink enough water, you could get dehydrated and light-headed.
4. Wear sun protection. Too much time in the sun could lead to a painful sunburn. Make sure to wear sunscreen when at the beach.
5. Stay cool! Overdoing it in the heat and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion, which can make you dangerously sick. Take breaks from the sun in a cool, shaded location.
