Beach Safety
Our beaches are some of the prettiest in the world.
The water is so clear and beautiful that we can't wait to get in.
But the ocean is powerful and requires your respect.
Here are some tips to keep your vacation safe.
Rip Currents
A rip current occurs when a large volume of the swash (water already on the beach from previous waves) is channeled into a single exit back through the surf line. This creates a powerful current running towards the sea, so powerful that even Olympic swimmers cannot swim against it. Rip currents occur more often during low tide.
The good news is that a rip current only last for about 100 yards and the effect dissipates, allowing the swimmer to swim parallel to the beach to get away from the rip current and then swim back to shore. And the rip is not very wide, so swimming parallel to the beach can get you out of the current even before it has run its course.
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To Save Yourself:
1) Remain calm. You will not be pulled under and you will not be taken out more than about 100 yards.
2) Swim parallel to shore. You cannot swim against it.
3) Swim back to shore outside of the current letting the surf help to push you back in.
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To Save Someone Else:
1) Let other people on the beach know that someone is in trouble, making sure one person calls 911.
2) If possible, throw a flotation device to the swimmer.
3) If you must attempt the rescue yourself, take a flotation device with you before entering the water. A person in danger of drowning can drown you. History shows us that the rescuer is far more likely to drown than the victim.
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Here is a great Rip Current resource from NOAA
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Know Your Beach Flags
The first line of defense in protecting your family at the beach is knowing when to stay out of the water.
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GREEN flags indicate that conditions are safe. Many beach towns do not fly green flags since there are always inherent dangers when swimming in the ocean. It is never completely safe and you should always use caution.
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YELLOW flags indicate moderate hazards, and that the public should use caution in the ocean.
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RED flags indicate that there is a high risk of strong currents or other hazards and the public is advised to stay out of the water
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DOUBLE RED flags indicate that there is an extremely high risk of strong currents or other hazards and there is a prohibition on swimming. You can be fined or arrested if you go in the water.
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PURPLE flags indicate an abundance of potentially hazardous marine life in the vicinity, including Portuguese man-o-war, jellyfish, and other creatures. The use of PURPLE FLAGS is relatively rare.
Save Our Turtles
Our beaches are used by sea turtles as well as humans.
To keep these endangered animals safe, please follow these simple rules:
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Fill in your holes after playing in the sand. A turtle that falls in can be trapped and die.
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If you are staying in a waterfront house, turn off outside lights when you go in. The bright lights cause disorientation in turtles seeking the sea, causing them to go inland where they are not safe.
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Never touch a turtle on the beach. This might cause a mother turtle to return to the sea before laying her eggs. But turtles also have very powerful jaws and a bite from one can injure a person badly.
