Everybody loves summer especially if it means an outing to the beach. In order to fully enjoy your summer trip, it is better if you know the hazards that may happen whilst in the water. With the high number of seaside incidences, be sure not to pack only your swimsuits, but these simple tips as well.
Swim at lifeguard-patrolled area
This is one of the golden rules in seaside swimming. However, a lot of people are not aware where the patrolled areas and where are not. The red-and-yellow-flags indicate the locations patrolled. The flags are regularly adjusted to suit the changing conditions of the sea.
On the other hand, not all beaches have lifeguards. It is important that you choose your vacation on somewhere where they have one. Lifeguarded beach are far less likely to have incidences, since they can immediately provide emergency assistance needed.
Be aware of the flags
Lifeguarded beaches install various flags to indicate where are the safe areas you can go swimming and those that are designated for watersports.
The area between the red-and-yellow flags will give you the green signal that it is safe to go swimming there, while the areas between the red flag is the zone where it is dangerous to swim, so you MUST NOT even try of thinking to go in red-flagged zones. On the other hand, the chequered black-and-white flags indicate that the areas in between are designated for watersports such as surfing and kayaking. Don’t go swimming in here. Another flag is the orange windsock. It means that the winds are strong in this area so using an inflatable here is not allowed or you’ll be quicly washed off-shore.
Know the dangers of the sea
First in the list are the rip currents. You’ll know when you’re in the rip currents when the water is already discolored such as brown water due to the stirring of the sand from the seabed and debris floating in the water.
Rips are strong currents that can carry you immediately from shallow water to beyond your depth. However, if you ever find yourself in one, stay calm then raise your hand to shout for help. Stay afloat by holding on to your inflatable, but if you have none, wade your way if you still can stand.
Don’t go however against the rip, instead, swim parallel until you’re out and then you can finally swim towards the shore.
Tides and waves are the next to watch out for. Tides come quickly and can leave you stranded. Be conscious of the directions and how fast the water is coming in. if you’re planning to play on rock pools, consult a lifeguard first for advice. Waves on the other hand are not any less dangerous. A small wave can knock over a child and dumping waves contains great force when out of shallow water.
Tombstoning is another danger in the sea in which people are mostly responsible. Tombstoning is jumping from a height into the water. Many has been killed and seriously hurt due to tombstoning. One should avoid it especially if you’re not familiar with the changes and areas of the sea.
Other beach hazards include sunburns and dehydration. Be sure you’re protected from UV rays by applying sun protection once every one and half hours to two hours if you’re swimming. Consume plenty of water even on a cool day, since the sun and wind could also dehydrate you.
Be aware of the stings from weaver, jellyfish, and insects. Do your research first on these things, so you can go well prepared.
The must-dos-and-don’ts in the beach
Be sure that the children are well-supervised when in the beach. They are not as aware of the dangers yet present in the sea. On the other hand, being an adult doesn’t mean you can swim alone. It is strongly advised to have a companion when swimming in order to have someone to aid you and vice versa. But when chances are you’re both in trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
When you’re in the situation where you see an accident, immediately call for a lifeguard, or if the beach isn’t lifeguarded, quickly call for the emergency hotline in your location. On that note, be sure that you know the emergency hotline of the beach you’re planning to go.
Another thing you must not do when swimming is drinking alcohol. It will not only keep you dehydrated but it will also impair your judgments and motor skills.
Research for information and follow them
Check out the condition of the sea on the beach you’re planning to take a vacation. Research for all the necessary information such as the safety signs, hazards, emergency services, and the likes. We are not hoping for an accident, but being prepared always beats unexpected circumstances. And remember, ignorance is not always a bliss, it could be detrimental too.
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