Beach Safety

Things to bring to the beach

Games. There are many popular games you will see at the beach. Have another name for one of the games below? Are we missing a game? Let us know.

  • Ladderball. Played by tossing bolas (two golf balls attached to each other by a cord or rope) onto a ladder of three rungs. Read the official rules here.
  • Cornhole. Played by tossing bean bags through holes in a angled platform. Official rules and additional info can be found at http://www.playcornhole.org.
  • Bocce Ball. Played by tossing large balls (called boccia) to see who can get the closest to the small ball (called a pallina). Scoring and rules can be found here.

Safety

Rip Tides

  • A rip tide is a strong current that flows from the shore out to sea and is one of the most dangerous beach conditions. Rip tides are formed when waves hit the beach with such frequecy and force as to not allow the water to flow back down the beach. When this happens, the water continues to build on the beach and searches a way back out. The water naturally flows to low lying parts and forces its way through the incoming surf. Riptides are most easily identified by a “unnatural” break or division in incoming waves. The water is usually a different color in the riptide than the natural color of the ocean. Rip tides can vary in length from several yards to a mile or more.
  • Should you find yourself trapped in a rip tide, remain calm and swim parallel to the beach line until you are free from the current them swim back to shore. DO NOT try to swim against the current, directly back to the shore. You will not make it and will tire very quickly.
  • If you see someone get trapped in a rip tide, get help immediately. Lifeguards are trained on the specifics of rip tide rescure. DO NOT enter the water in an attempt to help unless you are a certified Lifeguard. You may very easily become a victim yourself, making two people for the Lifeguard to rescue. Be safe.

Dangerous wildlife. There are several types of wildlife you should try to avoid while you are enjoying your beach day. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

  • Sharks. While probably the most prolific of all beach “phobias,” an encounter with a shark is likely to be the easiest one to escape unscathed. If you find yourself face-to-face with a shark, the most importanty thing to remember is to remain calm. If you freak out, you may trigger a shark attack by envoking the most primal instinct…the will to survive. Flailing limbs could easily be misconstrued as a threat causing a bite. Remember, sharks are naturally curious. If one is near you, it is likely just checking you out. Calmly, walk/swim away keeping your eyes on the shark. Head toward the shore and notify safety personnel. Do not scream, “SHARK!” as this will likely cause panic. If someone is unknowingly near a shark, they could easily incite an attack. Let the Lifeguard make the announcement.
  • Jellyfish. These little things pack a serious sting, some of which are poisonous. If you notice jellyfish in the water, exit the water trying to avoid them. If you get stung, pouring meat tenderizer or vinegar on the sting will reduce the pain and draw out the venom. Seek medical care immediately!

Sunburns. We all think we are impervious to the sun, but we are not. Make sure you are using sun block appropriately. If you are a darker complected person, you might not burn as easily as a more fair-skinned person would.

General Beach Safety

  • Learn to swim. The best way to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim – this includes adults and children.
  • Never swim alone. Always swim near an open lifeguard station.
  • 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 other potential hazard.
  • Stay within a designated swimming area, ideally within visibility of a lifeguard.
  • Steer clear from piers, pilings, and rocks, when in the water. Inexperienced swimmers should stay in waist deep water.
  • When bodyboarding, use swim fins and a leash.
  • Rely on your swimming ability rather than flotation devices.
  • Do not swim during thunderstorms or strong winds.
  • Do not dive into unknown water or into shallow breaking waves.
  • Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and avoid sunbathing for long periods of time.
  • Keep a lookout for aquatic life. Water plants and animals can be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants; and leave animals alone.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you don’t fell thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they dehydrate the body making the heats effect on your body worse.
  • Stay out of the “surf zone” where waves break. Waves are their most forceful here, and even a small wave can lift you up and throw you into the sand.
  • Beware of rip currents. If you get caught in one, don’t panic. Just swim parallel to the shore until you’re clear of the current, then swim into shore. Never try to swim against the current.
  • Report unsafe conditions to a lifeguard.
  • Never throw sand and always fill in holes before you leave the beach.
  • Obey all warning signs and flags. When a red flag is flying, swimming is prohibited. A yellow flag indicates dangerous conditions.
  • Supervise children at all times.
  • Never fake actions or calls for help.
  • When in trouble, signal a lifeguard by shouting “HELP” or waving your hands.
  • If you, or someone in your group gets lost, always find the nearest lifeguard.
  • Wear eye protection. Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
  • Wear foot protection. This prevents you from getting your feet burned from the sand or cut from glass in the sand.
  • Watch for signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is life threatening, and therefore must be monitored carefully. Symptoms include hot, red, and dry skin; changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse, and rapid shallow breathing.
  • Respect other beach patrons and remember your beach manners.
  • Follow the advice of the lifeguards. They are trained in beach and water safety. Respect their experience and judgment and never interfere with their work.

This page was last updated on September 28, 2009.