Beach and Water Safety

Heat stroke indications include hot, red, and dry skin; changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse, and rapid, shallow breathing. If you or a loved one shows those symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number then move the person to a cooler place and quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down. Heat stroke is a killer but you or your family does not have to be victims.

Another part of your body needing protection on the beach is your eyes so be sure to wear eye protection: Think of sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes which also need protection against damage from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight. The more protection your eyes have from the sun the better.

And watch your feet. Not only can things in the sand and water such as metal or shells injure your feet but also your feet can get burned from the sand or cut from glass in the sand. To protect your feet wear shoes or other foot protectors. Of course, the beach is only fun for a while. You will want to go in the water whether it is on a boat or swimming.

Here are some water safety tips:

You need to know how to swim whether you stay near the beach in the water or are on a boat. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course, contact your local Red Cross chapter. Even if you know how to swim, wear a lifejacket when on a boat. Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing. Lifejackets save lives.

You have heard the advice of do not drink and drive. Well, do not drink and boat or swim either.  For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile while under the influence of alcohol, people should not operate a boat while drinking alcohol.  You should also not swim after drinking.  Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination and on the water you need to have all your wits about you.

Further, like pilots file flight plans in case the unthinkable happens, the captain of your boat should file a float plan with a responsible person with details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. This is important because if the boat is delayed because of an emergency, becomes lost, or encounters other problems; you want help to be able to reach you.

And, watch the weather. You should not be on a boat or the beach or in the water during bad weather. Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Even have a radio – especially the weather radios that pick up official weather forecasts wherever you are. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.