NOTHING BETTER THAN A DAY AT THE BEACH…ENSURE A SAFE SUMMER WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS
There is nothing better than a day at the beach! Fresh air, sun and the surf. The ocean is powerful and unpredictable, and without proper safety precautions and lifeguards, our local Jupiter, Juno, and Singer Island area beaches can be uncertain. With summer and beach season approaching it is important to refresh the basic safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable day at the beach.
Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation use a colored flag system to identify beach warnings. Green Flag: Low hazard. Conditions are calm; normal care and caution should be exercised. Yellow Flag: Medium hazard. Moderate surf currents present. (i.e.: rip current,dropofff,rocks) Red Flag: High hazard. Very hazardous rough surf and/or strong currents; swimming for experienced swimmers only. Purple Flag: Dangerous Marine Life: Man-O-War present. This flag is flown with other flags. Double Red Flag: Beaches/Water Closed. (i.e.: sharks, lightening).
Statistics indicate that it is safer to swim on beaches with lifeguard services. It is advisable to sit in guarded area always. Should anything go wrong, a lifeguard could make the difference between life and death. Lifeguards are trained not only in injury prevention, but also in emergency response. Areas without protection may have hidden dangers such as drop offs, currents, jagged rocks all which can endanger your safety.
It is crucial that you protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply a broad spectrum, waterproof sunscreen liberally to all areas of exposed skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 30 or greater, and that it is water-resistant. The kind of sunscreen you choose is a matter of personal choice and may vary depending on the area of the body to be protected. Regardless of the sunscreen you choose, be sure to apply it generously to achieve the UV protection indicated on the product label.
Keep in mind that swimming in the ocean is different from swimming in a pool. Ocean waves and currents can overcome even the resilient swimmer. Rip tides can quickly pull swimmers away from shore. Pay attention to the posted warning flags. Swim with a friend. Know that currents tend to be strong near rocks, piers and other structures. If you are not a strong swimmer, wear a Coast Guard approved life vest.
Finally, beach picnics are fun and delicious. However, the heat can quickly spoil the food if it is not properly contained. Keep cold food cold and hot food hot. Maintaining food temperature at the beach can be a bit of a challenge. When having fun in the water, people tend not to notice when they get thirsty. Be sure not to get dehydrated by taking frequent breaks to cool down and get a drink.
Enjoy the beach!
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