Outdoor Safety USA - Beach Safety

Beach Safety

If you've never been to the beach, you might be excited about going. Or you might be nervous. After all, a day at the beach can present many dangers if you don't know what to look for or how to stay safe.

Beach Safety Tips

Some of the things people are afraid of when they go to the beach are being stung by a jellyfish, being swallowed by a wave or encountering a shark. All of these things are valid concerns, but most public beaches post a sign that state what to beware of that particular day. Here are some other beach safety tips to keep in mind to enjoy your day at the beach:

Don't swim in areas where there's not a lifeguard on duty
Swim only in designated areas
Only swim when the beach is open
Don't swim at night
If you find yourself in a rip current, swim diagonally against it and try to float on your back
If you're walking in shallow water, "shuffle" your feet so you don't step on a stingray
Follow posted beach rules
Don't get in the water if you've been drinking, and don't try to swim if you've just eaten

Beach safety isn't just for the water. Here are some beach safety tips for people who don't want to venture into the water:

First and foremost: Apply sunscreen! Apply it 30 minutes before you go to the beach and reapply it whenever you've been sweating a lot or made a trip into the water. (Reapply even if it's waterproof, just to be safe.)
Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water (but not ocean water) to prevent dehydration and heat stroke
Be careful where you step both in and out of the water so as not to step on sharp shells or broken glass. (In most cases, glass is not allowed on the beach, but not everyone follows the riles of beach safety, and accidents can happen. In addition, broken glass can, at times, get washed ashore from out at sea.)
Wear sunglasses. They're like sunscreen for your eyes.

Follow these beach safety tips to have a great day at the beach!

Beach Safety

Beach Safety

Beach Safety Tips

Related Resources: