Enjoying the Waves Safely: Essential Tips for Beach Safety
With its inviting shores, warm sun, and refreshing waves, the beach is a popular destination for individuals and families seeking relaxation and recreation. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety while enjoying the sand and surf to ensure a fun and memorable experience. From sun protection to water safety, here are essential tips for staying safe at the beach.
- Be Sun Smart: Exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following these sun safety tips:
- Apply sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or higher) at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially in hot weather.
- Swim Safely: While swimming in the ocean can be exhilarating, it’s essential to be aware of potential hazards and practice water safety at all times. Follow these guidelines to stay safe in the water:
- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards whenever possible.
- Never swim alone and always swim with a buddy.
- Obey posted signs and warnings, such as flags indicating water conditions and hazards.
- Be aware of rip currents, which are powerful currents that can pull swimmers away from shore. If caught in a rip current, remain calm, swim parallel to the shore, and signal for help.
- Avoid diving into unfamiliar or shallow water, as hidden rocks and sandbars can cause serious injury.
- Stay Hydrated: Spending time in the sun and saltwater can increase the risk of dehydration, especially on hot days. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Bring a reusable water bottle to the beach and refill it regularly to ensure you stay hydrated and energized.
- Keep an Eye on Children: Children should always be closely supervised while at the beach, especially when playing near the water. Follow these tips to keep kids safe:
- Assign a designated adult to watch children at all times, taking turns if necessary.
- Teach children about water safety and the importance of staying close to shore and within arm’s reach of an adult.
- Ensure children wear properly fitting life jackets when swimming or playing in the water, especially if they are not strong swimmers.
- Set clear boundaries and rules for children, such as not swimming alone and staying away from dangerous areas like rocks and jetties.
- Know First Aid Basics: Accidents and injuries can happen, so it’s essential to be prepared to respond appropriately. Familiarize yourself with basic first aid techniques and bring a well-stocked first aid kit to the beach. Be prepared to administer first aid for minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, and sunburns, and know when to seek medical attention for more serious injuries.
By following these essential tips for beach safety, you can enjoy all that the shore has to offer while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles, prioritizing safety ensures a fun and memorable beach experience for everyone. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your beach towel, and head to the shore with confidence, knowing you’re prepared to stay safe and enjoy the waves responsibly.
The contents of this article have been reviewed by Dr. Nicole Leo, Family Medicine provider with Shore Physicians Group’s office in Marmora, located at 4 Roosevelt Boulevard in the Shop Rite Plaza. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leo, call 609-814-9550.
