Beach Safety

Beaches are synonymous with summertime. Here are tips to help you ride the waves without worry:

• Only swim at beaches with lifeguards present.

• Catch a weather report before you go out. Stay out of the water if strong winds or a storm is predicted.

• Pay attention to where you are on the beach. Stay within the sights of a lifeguard and within the area designated for swimmers.

• Follow all beach rules and regulations. They're there for your protection.

• If you use floatation devices, take care to always be in control of them. You don't want to drift far from shore.

• Currents can change quickly. If you are not an expert swimmer, stay close to shore or in waist-level water.

• Be on guard for large waves, rip tides/undertows and hazardous animals, such as jellyfish.

If you see someone drowning:

• Alert a lifeguard immediately.
• Depending upon how close the person is, throw a floatable object to them, or extend a rope or a pole to them and pull them to safety.
• If you are a good swimmer and a lifeguard is not available, enter the water, and bring a floatation device strong enough to support you both. Position the device so that it stays between you.

More Beach Safety:

• Rip tides and undertows
• Red tide
• Jellyfish
• Water safety tips