There's nothing better than a day at the beach. Relaxing with the sun, the sand, and the water is one of the best things in the world.
Whether you are boogie boarding, surfing, or participating in other recreational activities you need to inform children and others about safety guidelines. The beach is a pretty safe place; however, no environment is truly risk free.
The ocean is a powerful body of water and can be unpredictable, but if we are aware of the dangers then we can avoid the threats.
First, you need to learn to swim well. The ocean is powerful and can be difficult to navigate.
Do not enter the ocean, past your knees, unless you know how to swim. Flotation devices, such as rafts or boogie boards, should never be used in place of actual swimming ability.
If you fall off the flotation device, but do not know how to swim, you could panic and have difficulty retrieving your flotation device. Without a proper swimming ability the potential for drowning easily increases.
For young children, parents should be aware that they may not have the swimming skills. Children should stay in places where they can easily touch the ground and always have parental supervision.
Second, swim near a lifeguard. Unexpected things can occur at the beach. A lifeguard is there to monitor and is trained to deal with hazards and medical emergencies.
According to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), the odds of drowning at a public beach are nearly five times as high without lifeguard supervision at the time of the incident. The risk of drowning at a lifeguard-protected beach is much lower.
So to decrease the odds of drowning always swim near an open lifeguard tower.
Third, be sure to protect your head and neck. Never dive into the ocean headfirst.
Often, you can't see obstacles that may be lurking under the water. These could include rocks, sea weed that can entangle you, and marine life.
Diving in head first is a leading cause of head and neck injuries. Be sure to always enter the ocean feet first.
When you are boogie boarding, keep your hands out in front to protect your head and neck.
Fourth, always swim with a buddy and never swim alone. A large number of drownings involve single swimmers.
If you ever get lost or separated from your buddy, tell the lifeguard immediately. Swimming with a buddy is more fun than swimming alone, so be sure to watch out for each other and keep each other safe.
Five, be sure to obey all posted warning signs and flags. Signs and flags alert you to ocean safety conditions.
Learn what the various flags and signs mean. To learn what they signify or for clarification about what they mean, ask a lifeguard.
Six, never turn your back on the ocean. Always be aware of the waves.
Even the smallest wave can knock you over and cause injury, especially if you are caught by surprise. Always face forward and never turn your back on the ocean so you can be more aware of what is about to hit you.
Seven, before really swimming in the ocean you need to learn about rip currents and how to get out of them. Rip currents generally appear as muddy-looking ocean water flowing away from the shore.
Most lifeguard rescues are due to people getting caught in rip currents. Even the strongest swimmers get caught in them.
Rip currents are dangerous because they pull you away from the beach into deeper water. To get out of a rip current, do not fight the current by trying to swim to shore.
Many try to swim straight to the beach. This is a very tiring process that may continue for several hours.
Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then you can swim safely back to the beach.
Eight, avoid drugs and alcohol, especially around the water. Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment.
Under their influence you might take unnecessary risks you otherwise would not. Alcohol tends to lower your body temperature and weaken your swimming abilities.
Because of this alcohol plays a significant role in many drownings.
Nine, be aware of trash and broken glass, especially when you have bare feet. Your bare feet are perfect targets for broken glass and other trash all over the beach.
Walk carefully through the sand and beware of these and other hazards. It is best to keep your shoes on while walking between your car and the area of the beach you set up.
Ten, don't forget to apply sunscreen. The sun has strong rays that can harm your skin. If they are strong enough, often depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you will get sunburned.
Even from just one day on the beach Sunburns can range in seriousness but most of them are painful. Sunscreen protects you and your family from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can lead to not only sunburn, but also skin cancer.
You should be sure to apply sunscreen several times during your day at the beach, especially after spending time in the water.
With just a few safety guidelines you will be able to have a fun and safe day at the beach. Whether you are relaxing on the beach or boogie boarding is your thing, you can have a great time!
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry has been surfing since his childhood and currently loves boogie boarding. He lives, eats, and breathes all things ocean sports. He recommends (http://gfsportsworld.com) for boogie boards.
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