|
|
Beach Safety Tips
Reviewed By: Whether you're planning a vacation to get a break from the winter blues or taking advantage of some local beaches during the summer -- failing to follow basic beach safety rules can throw sand on your plans. Too much exposure to the sun can cause heat exhaustion or short- and long-term damage to your skin. Meanwhile, hidden dangers may lurk within those placid waters lapping at the shore. Taking the following steps can keep you sand-and-surf safe so you can make the most of your beach days. Heat dangers It is easy to become overheated while lounging on the beach. As the sun's rays beat down, the body's cooling system can become overwhelmed. Heat exhaustion occurs as body temperature rises, preventing perspiration and leading to thirst, fatigue, and leg and abdominal cramps. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. While heat illness can strike anybody, certain populations are especially vulnerable. This includes:
Avoid heat illness by taking these steps to stay cool. Sit under an umbrella, or other shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat and drink plenty of water or other fluids to keep from overheating. Remember to avoid alcohol and drinks that contain caffeine, which can cause dehydration. It is especially important to take these precautions if you take certain medications that inhibit sweating. Drugs that can have this effect include antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants and diuretics. Sun dangers Sun exposure is one of the greatest dangers at the beach. Not only does it contribute to heat illness, but is can also wreak havoc with the health of your skin. The sun emits an invisible form of radiation called ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the skin and cause sunburn, premature wrinkling and even skin cancer. You can reduce the risk of sun-induced skin damage by wearing sunscreen and reapplying often. Choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. For best results, you should apply about 30 minutes before hitting the beach. If you plan to frolic in the water, use water-resistant sunscreen. The sun's rays reflect off the water, making sunburn even more likely. But beware -- no sunscreen is truly waterproof. You should reapply every 80 minutes you are in the water (or even perspiring heavily) as well as after getting out or toweling off -- even with sunscreens labeled as waterproof. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Ask your doctor if you are taking a drug that increases sun sensitivity. If so, be even more vigilant in seeking shade and liberal in applying sunscreen. Remember, the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, stay out of the sun during this time. Water dangers Wherever there is a beach, you'll find water nearby. Whether it's an ocean, river or lake, it is important to exercise caution when entering the water. Swim in public areas where lifeguards are present. Stay within sight of lifeguard towers and do not swim alone. Do not swim near piers or other structures because a sudden current can push you into the structure. If you want to swim long distances, paddle parallel to the shore rather than out to sea. Obey all warning signs and do not swim in areas where lifeguards or other authorities recommend against it. Rip currents are narrow but intense currents that flow away from the shore. They can occur at any beach with surf and breaking waves -- including the Great Lakes as well as at ocean beaches. If you are caught in a rip current, do not fight the water. Stay calm and swim parallel to the shore. Eventually, you'll swim out of the rushing water. Once you get free of the rip current, swim to the shore or yell out and wave your arm for help. If you are too tired to swim try to float with the rip current until it passes. This helps you conserve your energy so that you'll be able to swim to safety later. Other water safety tips include:
You should also be on the lookout for wildlife. Oceans, lakes and rivers teem with creatures big and small -- a few of which can be dangerous. At the ocean, coral reefs close to shore can cause cuts and bruises, jellyfish can drift close to shore causing stings and, of course, the rare risk of shark attacks. Learn the risks particular to the beach you are visiting and pay attention to any posted signs of warning. A little precaution and awareness can go a long way. Other dangers That sand seeping between your toes also presents potential dangers. Hot sand can burn your feet, so it is best to wear shoes or sandals at all times on the beach. This will also keep you from cutting your foot on sharp objects, such as glass shards. It is important to stay away from cliff edges. You could lose your balance, or the rocks could shift or give way suddenly, causing a dangerous fall. Stay behind fences -- they are there for a reason, usually to protect your safety. Obey all posted warning signs. It is also important to stay off sand dunes because dunes are delicate ecosystems easily damaged by people. Finally, do not light fires on the beach except in areas specifically designated for this purpose. Fires that catch onto driftwood or sea grass may spread rapidly. With a few precautions your day at the beach can be, well, a day at the beach! For more information on keeping your family safe, see the First Aid & Safety Center.
|
 |
advertisement
|
|
|
advertisement
|