Safety on the Shore

Many of us spend our summer vacations on the beach, listening to the crashing of the ocean waves on the sandy shore. What most of us do not realize is the fact that there are invisible dangers that catch us unaware. You can protect yourself though.

• Protect your skin by limiting the amount of direct sunlight that you receive between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM and wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
• Drink plenty of water at regular intervals, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid all beverages with alcohol and caffeine as they can make the effects of heat on your body even worse.
• Watch for signs of heat stroke. Signals include hot, red, dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse, and rapid, shallow breathing. Call 9-1-1 immediately or the local EMS number if symptoms appear. Attempt to cool the body with wet sheets, ice packs or cold packs.
• Wear sunglasses with labels that indicate they absorb at least 90- percent of UV sunlight.
• Wear shoes or sandals, so you do not get burned from the sand or cut from glass hiding in the sand.
• Learn to swim.
• Stay within the designated swimming area, within visibility of a lifeguard.
• Never swim alone.
• Check the surf conditions before you enter the water. Check to see if a warning flag is up or check with a lifeguard for water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.
• Stay away from piers, pilings, and diving platforms when in the water.
• Keep a lookout for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals alone.
• Make sure that you always have enough energy to swim back to shore.
• Do not try to swim against the current if caught in one. Swim gradually out of the current, by swimming across it.