The ultimate laid-back beach lifestyle — who wouldn’t want to have that? From the spectacular surf and sand to the variety of water activities you can do, spending time at the beach is probably one of your best days ever. The best part about going to the beach is that you can have a tranquil time by yourself or soak up the lively vibe of a popular spot.
And amid the relaxation or the fun, you may just forget a few crucial things about the beach. This coastal scenery can dampen the great experiences you have when you forget to follow the rules.
Yes. The “beach life” should be laid-back but it doesn’t mean you should be careless. When you pay attention and apply these safety rules, you will be able to enjoy your day at the beach.
1. Swim only at the safest places to swim.
Every beach will have especially marked areas, usually with flags, that tell you where it’s safe to swim. These marks may be in place because some areas in the water may be prone to rips. A rip current is a strong and channelized flow of water, and can be hazardous to swimmers.
2. Swim only when there is a lifeguard.
You may be a strong swimmer but it doesn’t hurt to have a lifeguard watching over you. This is especially important when you’re swimming with your kids.
3. Talk to your kids about the beach rules.
Speaking of kids, when you’re heading to the beach with the family, make sure to talk about the rules. For crowded beaches, you want to emphasise with the kids the importance of keeping close by and not talking to strangers.
4. Designate a place to meet should anyone get lost.
Pick recognisable spots at the beach as your meeting place, in case your kid gets lost.
5. Try to swim with a friend.
A friend can call for help should you get into trouble. And it goes without saying, never let your kids swim without adult supervision.
6. Wear the appropriate safety gear for water activities.
Whether you plan to kayak or get on one of those banana boats, make sure you’re wearing the standard life jacket.
7. Use your sunscreen and hydrate.
Getting a bit of sun is great, the keyword being “a bit”. Apply the sunscreen with sufficient SPF, 15 to 30 minutes before you head out. Reapply after you take a dip in the water. And drink enough water so you don’t get heat stroke.
8. Don’t leave your rubbish.
Bring a bag so you don’t litter. From wrappers of food to bottles of drinks, when you take it to the beach, it should leave with you.
9. Do not choose a spot that will prevent lifeguards from doing their jobs.
Pick an area in the beach that isn’t in the way of lifeguards.
10. Know what to do should the unthinkable happen.
From getting caught in rip current to getting stung by a jellyfish, it pays to know what you should do in such situations. If it’s a rip current, do not panic and swim parallel to the shore until you get out of the current. If it’s a jellyfish sting, wash with seawater (never rub with sand) to deactivate stinging cells or rinse with vinegar, and get the lifeguard’s help when you have trouble breathing.