June 21 marked the official first day of summer, in other words, it’s time for ocean fun!
Despite the almost perfect weather year-round, it’s during the summer that Miami-Dade residents take advantage of the sweltering heat and beaming sun to head down to the beach. However, it’s vital that beachgoers are aware of beach safety guidelines for the well-being of themselves and others.
It’s important to remember that an ocean is a body of water in a constant state of motion and changes. So, it’s for your own safety that your should learn how to swim. Nonetheless, inexperienced swimmers or young children should wear life jackets in and around the ocean. Additionally, beachgoers with children should always keep their eyes on them and have them at arms distance.
When first getting into the ocean, don’t dive in, but step in. By diving in head first, you risk injuring your neck. Next, check the water for deepness and any obstacles. If getting into the water with a young child, hold their hand. Any sudden change in surf direction can separate them from you. Furthermore, remember that you must never swim alone and always swim at a lifeguard-protected beach. Miami-Dade County’s public beaches (Crandon Park and Haulover Park) are professionally guarded year-round.
In Florida, there is a uniform warning flag system that is used on all public beaches. This allows beachgoers to understand if there any hazards in the water. The following defines what each warning flag signifies:
• Double Red Flag: The beach is closed to swimmers.
• Single Red Flag: High hazard due to high surf and/or strong currents.
• Yellow Flag: Medium hazard due to moderate surf and/or hazards.
• Green Flag: Low hazard and calm conditions.
• Purple Flag: There is dangerous marine life present.
The leading surf hazard for all beachgoers is rip currents. Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving channels of water that travel from the shore towards the ocean and can occur on any beach with breaking waves. Every year, rip currents are accountable for over 100 drowning fatalities and more than 80 percent of all beach water rescues. It’s crucial to understand that rip currents pull swimmers away from the shore, not underwater; hence, beachgoers must know the basics of what to do if ever caught in one.
If ever caught in a rip current:
• Remain calm to conserve energy (drowning due to rip currents occur so often because swimmers are unable to stay afloat long enough to swim back to shore).
• Don’t fight the current. Instead of swimming against it, swim out of it in a parallel direction that follows the shoreline. Once you are out of the current, swim towards the shore.
• If unable to swim out of the current, float or calmly tread water to conserve energy until you are out of the current. Once out, swim towards the shore.
• If you are unable to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself. Face the shore, wave you arms and yell for help.
• If you ever see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is unavailable, call 9-1-1 and attempt to stop the drowning process by throwing an object that floats to the victim.
Another hazard to keep an eye out for is marine life. When one thinks of marine life, the first image that comes up is sharks. However, you’re more likely to encounter jellyfish, man-o-wars and stingrays. These animals are not usually life-threatening unless you are allergic to them or their stings inhibit your capability to swim. If you ever come across any of these sea animals, inform lifeguards for monitoring purposes.
Finally, keep in mind basic sun safety tips such as applying sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher to protect against UVA and UVB rays which should be reapplied every two hours and avoid peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
By following these guidelines, you can assure that your beach experience is enjoyable and safe as living in Miami, the weather is rarely ever not perfect for a beach outing.