BEACH SAFETY TIPS
- SWIM NEAR A LIFEGUARD
Find out where the lifeguard stands are located and always
swim where there is a lifeguard. Statistics show that the chance
of drowning at a beach without lifeguard protection is almost 5
times greater than drowning at a beach with lifeguards (United
States Lifesaving Association).
- NEVER SWIM ALONE
It is best to always enter the water with a “swim buddy”. If
one of you has a problem, the other can help or yell for
assistance. At the least, have someone on shore watching you.
- USE CAUTION BEFORE ENTERING THE OCEAN
Be alert for Red Warning flags and Red & White Warning
Posters. If the red flags are flying ... it means swimming is
prohibited ... please pay attention to them. Although the flags
may fly when the weather seems fine, it's hard to judge if the
water is safe. Ocean swimming is not like swimming in a lake or
pool, as strong littoral currents, rip currents, tidal currents
near inlets and shifting sand can make swimming dangerous.
Please read the swimming safety tips at lifeguard locations.
- DON’T FIGHT THE RIP CURRENT
The majority of water rescues performed by Kitty Hawk Ocean
Rescue lifeguards involve rip currents. To be safe at the ocean
you must understand what a rip current is and how to take care
of yourself if caught in one.
What is a Rip Current? Often mistakenly called undertows,
these powerful currents pull even experienced swimmers away from
shore. Panic and drowning often result. The currents are formed
when water rushes out to sea in a narrow path. This happens when
there is a break in a near shore sandbar or the current is
diverted by a groin, jetty, or other barrier. Rip currents can
extend 1,000 feet offshore, reach 100 feet in width and travel
up to 3 mph. Some are present a few hours; others are permanent.
Rip currents are more prevalent after storms.
Telltale Signs of Rip Currents A difference in water color -
either murkier from sediments or darker from greater depth A
difference in the waves - larger choppier waves in the rip
current: smaller, calmer waves in front of the bar Foam or
objects moving steadily seaward An offshore plume of turbid
water past the sandbars. Polarized sunglasses cut glare and help
spot rip currents.
What to Do: If you're caught in a rip current, don't panic or
swim against the current. Swim parallel to shore until you are
out of the current. Rip currents are rarely more than 30 feet
wide. If you can't break out of the current, float calmly until
it dissipates, usually just beyond the breakers. Then swim
diagonally to shore. If you don't swim well, stay in wading
depths and watch for sudden drop-offs.
Rip Current Graphics and info provided by Sea Grant
www.ncsu.edu/seagrant
- SWIM SOBER
Drugs, including alcohol, impair judgment and cause people to
take risks they would not otherwise take. In addition, drugs
contribute to drowning by decreasing muscle coordination
resulting in decreased swimming ability.
- USE A LEASH ON YOUR BOARD
Leashes are attached to a surfboard or boogie board and then
to the user’s ankle or wrist. Use of a leash is important for
two reasons -
- The user will not become separated from his floatation
device, and
- The leash reduces the chances of the board hitting and
injuring bystanders.
- DON’T FLOAT WHERE YOU CAN’T STAND
Oftentimes non-swimmers go into deep water dependent on a
floatation device. This is extremely dangerous. If they fall
off, or the raft deflates, they can quickly drown. Kitty Hawk
Ocean Rescue encourages all non-swimmers, who enter the ocean,
to wear a size appropriate Coast Guard approved life jacket.
- FEET FIRST, FIRST TIME
Serious head and neck injuries occur every year due to diving
head first into unfamiliar water and impacting with the bottom.
Always enter the water feet first, first time, and always check
for the water depth and for obstructions before diving.
- WATCH YOUR CHILDREN IN THE WATER
It only takes 20 – 60 seconds for an actively drowning person
to become unconscious. This is an extremely short period of
time. The lifeguard is responsible for watching you, your
children, and every other person in his zone. Even the best
lifeguard can not see everything at once. Help the lifeguard
watch your children by being an extra set of eyes.
- WEAR SUNSCREEN
- IF THERE IS THUNDER AND/OR LIGHTNING – LEAVE THE BEACH
Lightning causes thunder, so anytime thunder can be heard,
the danger of lightning is real, whether you can see it or not.
If at the beach, get out of the water and take shelter. Do not
take shelter under a tree or in an open structure. Go to a
building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle, such as a car, with
the windows shut (Lifesaving Resources Inc.) More Severe Weather
Safety Tips