Before you know it, the hot days of summer will be upon us. With Florida’s famous miles of beautiful beaches, it’s very likely that you will be making a few trips to cool off at the beach with your family during the summer. A day at the beach can be fun and relaxing, but you also need to be aware of potential dangers. When at the beach, it is important to remember to always think of safety first to keep yourself and your family safe.
Pay Attention to the Weather
Check the weather report to make sure thunderstorms are not in the forecast. Lightning can be extremely dangerous at the beach. To be safe, you may want to delay your trip for another day if storms are predicted. If a storm does hit while you are on the beach, seek shelter and wait at least half an hour after the last rumble of thunder before returning to the beach.
Look for the Flags
When a red flag is posted, it means that beach conditions are dangerous. There may be rough surf or rip currents that warrant closing the beach or exercise extreme caution. A yellow flag usually signifies that there are moderate surf or currents, but caution still needs to be exercised. A green flag generally means that the water is calm. A blue or purple flag means that dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or sharks are nearby. Pay attention to the directions and signals given by the lifeguards on the beach because water conditions can quickly change.
Know How to Swim
If you plan to spend time in the water, you should know how to swim. Swimming in the ocean can be much different from swimming in a stationary body of water like a pool. Children and adults that do not know how to swim should wear life jackets when going in the ocean. And they should never swim in areas that are not guarded by a lifeguard.
Watch for Rip Currents
Beware of rip currents that appear as choppy areas of water that differ in color from the surrounding water. If you are caught in one, remain calm and attempt to swim parallel to the shore; once you swim out of the current, you can then proceed to swim to the shore in a diagonal direction.
Practice Sun Safety
Make sure that you are your family are guarded from the sun’s strong UV rays. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and reply often, especially after going in the water or sweating. Wear a hat and use an umbrella when possible to limit your sun exposure.
Drink Lots of Fluids
Drinking plenty of water is your best defense against dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. As much as beach days and beer seem to go hand in hand, you should take care to limit your alcohol intake because alcohol only intensifies dehydration. Alcohol’s effects can also greatly increase your risk of drowning.
Staying Safe with SafeTouch
SafeTouch cares about your safety whether you are at home or away. Having a SafeTouch Security System installed in your home can help make your summer adventures even more enjoyable. You can spend your day relaxing at the beach or take off on a vacation knowing that your home is safe from intruders. Call us today at 888.895.SAFE (7233), or contact us online, and find out how a SafeTouch system will help keep you and your family safe.