When it’s nice outside, a trip to the beach seems like a great idea. You get to kick off your shoes, strip down to your bathing suit, and float around in the water. It is, however, important to be prepared when heading to the beach. Unfortunately, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning,
A day at the beach should be fun, not full of worry and anxiety. If you want to enjoy the sun, water, and sand, prepare by following these beach safety tips.
Understanding the Potential Dangers of the Beach
It’s much easier to remain safe when you know what to look out for. Before packing for the beach, you should learn more about the potential dangers, some of the more pressing issues include:
- Rip currents
- Drowning
- Jellyfish stings
- Heat stroke
- Sunburn
Sharks remain greatly feared by humans, coming to mind every time they dip a toe in the ocean. However, mother nature presents more realistic dangers than any shark can. While the data is a few years old, a 2011 report revealed that around 100 million sharks are killed by humans each year. While that same year, there were only 12 human fatalities linked to shark attacks.
Instead of worrying about sharks, be prepared to protect yourself and your family against the sun, strong currents, and jellyfish- the more likely dangers during a beach trip.
Know How to Swim
Knowing how to swim is your first line of defense against drowning. Don’t be embarrassed if you haven’t had the chance to learn,any of us don’t grow up around pools or beaches. Take this as an opportunity to learn and remain safe in the ocean. The American Red Cross estimates that about half of Americans can’t swim. Luckily, there are swimming classes available in most regions. Check with your local Red Cross, YMCA, or community center who may offer classes throughout the year.
Children should also have learned how to swim before being allowed to swim in the open waters. Children 14 and under account for one in five drowning deaths in the US each year.Sign your children up for a swim class if they haven’t yet learned. You could even make it a family event and learn together!Children and teens should also wear life jackets when swimming, boating, tubing, or skiing. The American Red Cross also recommends that children up to five years old wear life jackets any time that they are near the water.
If someone in your group does not know how to swim, make sure they stick to the sand.
Spot a Rip Current
Rip currents are the biggest threat on the beach. In fact, over 80% of lifeguard rescues involve a rip current. These currents come quickly and unexpectedly and can easily pull experienced swimmers out to sea.
What is a rip current? It’s a strong stream of water that quickly flows away from the shoreline. If you’re swimming near this current, it may pull you out into the ocean at incredible speeds.A rip current can pull a swimmer at speeds of close to 10 feet per second. For a comparison, gold-medal swimmer Michael Phelps can reach speeds of 8.8 feet per second, while the average swimmer can only reach about five feet per second.
One of the best ways to spot a rip current is to check the beach forecast. Meteorologists offer accurate predictions about the weather conditions on the beach, including the risk of a rip current forming. You can also ask the lifeguards about the weather conditions when you arrive at the beach.
It’s also possible to learn how to spot a rip current forming. Typically, waves crash at an angle to the shoreline. The water then flows back to the ocean as a longshore current. When the waves crash perpendicular to the shoreline, the longshore current goes right and left along the shore. When two of these longshore currents collide, the colliding currents form a powerful rip current.Just before the longshore currents crash together, you may see a small gap between the waves. This is a common cue that you need to get out of the water as soon as possible or prepare for a rip current.
How to Swim Out of a Rip Current
If you’re in the water when the rip current hits, don’t try to swim back to the shore. As mentioned, the current can reach speeds that you and I will never match. The current does not pull you under, like you see it in the movies, it pulls you out to sea.
If you can wade in the water, you should not need to worry about drowning. It’s easier said than done but it’s important to avoid panicking.
Instead of fighting the current, you need to swim parallel to the shore. If you keep swimming, you should eventually get out of the path of the current. If you’re not a great swimmer, signal for help as soon as possible! Wave your arms and call out for help. Again, the current shouldn’t pull you under. You just need to wade in the water and stay afloat until help can arrive.
The Correct Way to Deal with Jellyfish Stings
Another common danger in the ocean is jellyfish. There is an old myth that you can urinate on a jellyfish sting to neutralize the sting- this remedy is unsanitary and wrong.
If you get stung by a jellyfish, get out of the water. It seems like a reasonable first step but it’s easy to panic in these situations. The next step is to rinse the area where you were stung with vinegar. Urine will not work nor will baking soda, alcohol, or rinsing with fresh water. If you don’t have vinegar, you may need to visit a doctor or try rinsing the area with hot water. You should then use a pair of tweezers to remove the tentacles. After removing the tentacles, hop in the shower and soak the affected area with hot water for at least 20 to 45 minutes. You can then apply a hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine to relieve the itching or swelling.
If you have a severe reaction, do not hesitate to visit the hospital. You may need an antivenin to treat the sting.
Protect Your Skin and Your Body from the Sun and Heat
Heat stroke and sunburn are potential dangers when spending the day on the beach, but can easily be prevented with the proper precautions.
The FDA recommends that beach-goers wear sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30. You don’t need to spend money on the expensive sunscreen which promises to offer SPF 100 protection. In fact, the FDA claims that SPF 45 is about the best protection you can get. SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97% of UVB rays while SPF 45 blocks 98%, and you can’t really get much more protection than that. The FDA even wants to prohibit companies from labeling sunscreen as containing anything more than SPF 50.
- ORIGINAL SPF 30 SUNSCREEN LOTION . This is the stuff we use every day. It’s the formula that started it all. People say it smells like summer. We like that. Whether we’re spending a lazy day at the beach or just hangin’ out, our Original formula is definitely our fav.
- MOISTURIZING SUN PROTECTION. Dermatologist and Sonny approved, this non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with Vitamin E. Our oil-free, water-resistant and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant SPF 30 Lotion is great for all skin types.
- HOW TO USE. 15 minutes before sun exposure, apply liberally to all areas of the skin and avoid the eye area. For best results, reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Sonny’s Tip: Apply every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.
- PROTECT YOUR SKIN. The key to practicing safe sun is to protect and moisturize your skin. Our Original Sunscreen line is Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty and Paraben Free to ensure a fun day in the sun.
- TRUST THE BUM. What does that mean? It means trust us, the ones who live on the beach and need products that work on the most intense days in the sun. The simple truth is, when you make products to protect the ones you love, you make ‘em better.
Whether you choose SPF 30 or 45, you should reapply every two to three hours. You should also reapply after getting out of the water as there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. At best, the “waterproof” sunscreens are simply more water-resistant.
It’s also imperative that you stay hydrated. No, you can’t drink the salt water. Bring a water bottle with you and rehydrate consistently throughout the day to prevent fatigue, confusion, headaches or heat stroke.
Learn the Basic Technique for Performing CPR
Learning CPR may be the difference between life and death. Along with swim classes, you may find CPR classes at your local YMCA or a community center.
Even if you don’t know CPR, the American Heart Association recommends that you attempt chest compressions when someone is having difficulty breathing. They suggest that you avoid rescue breathing and stick with the chest compressions until paramedics arrive.
Swim Where Lifeguards are Present
The last tip for staying safe on the beach is to swim in areas where a lifeguard is present. Studies show that the risk of drowning when visiting a beach that is monitored by a lifeguard is one in 18 million. The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) is a non-profit organization that certifies lifeguards in the US. Before visiting a beach, find out when lifeguards are on duty. When you get to the beach, remember to check in with the lifeguard to ask about the current weather conditions for safe swimming.
These basic safety tips should help you feel more secure during your next trip to the beach. While you don’t need to be overly cautious and take all the fun out of your day at the beach, you should take these precautions to prevent any accidents.
Remember to learn how to swim before you decide to go swimming and keep children in life jackets. You should also watch out for rip currents and make sure that your skin and body are protected against the sun.
Good luck out there, and don’t forget that sharks have more reason to fear us than we do them!
References
- https://www.usla.org/page/SAFETYTIPS
- https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/beach-safety.html
- https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/beach-safety-101#1
- https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/jellyfish-stings-treatment
- https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent
- https://www.livescience.com/6681-dangerous-beach.html
- https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/jul14/beachdangers.html
Megan Jones leads the editorial staff of Seaside Planet. They are a multidisciplinary team of outdoor adventurers, water sports lovers, and passionate beach goers. You can learn more about Meg and the rest of the editorial team here.