Beach Safety

Sun Exposure

A day at the beach is likely to include a lot of sun exposure. Health experts advise swimmers and sunbathers to select a good quality sunblock, and apply it completely and re-apply often. Other aids include beach umbrellas, large hats, polarized sunglasses and lip balm with sunblock.

Beach Hazards

Beaches and shallow water areas can sometimes contain sharp shells or other objects. In some areas swimmers wear reef shoes or other protective footwear to avoid cuts from natural or man-made hazards.

Jellyfish

Several species of jellyfish are sometimes found in the ocean or back bays. While most species are harmless, a few can give painful stings. Jellyfish may only appear for a few days but sometimes arrive in large numbers. Avoiding swimming when jellyfish are present is the only sure way to avoid problems. There are a number of home remedies for jellyfish stings, including dousing the affected area with vinegar or other natural neutralizing agents.

Rip Currents

Rip currents sometimes form along beaches. These strong currents can pull unsuspecting swimmers away from the beach in seconds. The United States Coast Guard and other agencies publish rip current warnings and advisories.

Rip current safety tips for swimmers usually include:

 * Never swim alone.

 * Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don't swim

* Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.

* If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

* Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.

* If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.

* If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by facing the shore or boat, waving your arms, and yelling for help.

* If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 911. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

Submitted by: cin