Beach safety

Beach season is here, and a few simple precautions can help keep your day safe and enjoyable.

Learn to swim. If necessary, take swimming lessons, and remember that swimming in the ocean is very different from swimming in a pool.

Never swim alone. Always swim in a lifeguarded area and check with lifeguards about weather, surf and water conditions before entering the water.

When packing for the beach, bring sunscreen, plenty of water to stay hydrated, sunglasses, a hat, an umbrella for shade, snacks, and beach toys or games for children.

Children should be supervised at all times. Designate one adult to watch the children and make sure that person understands the responsibility. One effective method is using a Water Watcher bracelet. The bracelet is worn by the adult responsible for supervision during a designated period, such as 20 or 30 minutes. When that time ends, the bracelet is passed to another adult, who assumes responsibility. This helps ensure that children are continuously supervised.

Water Watcher bracelets are available free of charge. To obtain one, contact cindas@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or visit 10 Park Lane in Hilton Head Island.

the beach, be aware of potential hazards.

Jellyfish stings can be painful, but they are usually not life-threatening. Wear shoes while walking along the beach because jellyfish can sting even when washed ashore. If you are stung, seek assistance from a lifeguard.

Stingrays also may be present in shallow water. Reduce the chance of an encounter by shuffling your feet along the sandy bottom as you walk. Locals often refer to this technique as the “stingray shuffle.”

Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow away from shore and can carry swimmers away from the beach. Ask lifeguards about current conditions before entering the water. If caught in a rip current, do not try to swim directly back to shore. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline until you are free of the current, then make your way back to the beach.

Excessive heat can quickly turn a fun day into a dangerous situation. Sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can become serious medical emergencies. Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade and avoid becoming overheated.

Lightning is another significant hazard. No place outdoors is safe during a thunderstorm. When thunder is heard, move indoors immediately. The safest locations are substantial buildings or hard-topped vehicles. Open shelters, small sheds and open vehicles do not provide adequate protection. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before returning to the beach.

Enjoy the summer, and when you leave the beach, leave only your footprints.

Cinda Seamon, Community Risk Reduction & Outreach Program Coordinator, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.