!#8# A Day at the Beach - Basic Safety Tips

!±8± A Day at the Beach - Basic Safety Tips

Summer is here, time for people to start heading to the beach and enjoying a day on the sand. Here are some basic safety tips to keep you and your family safe on your day at the beach:

Protect Your Skin

Sunscreen is a must for everyone at the beach. Look for the highest SPF rating for maximum protection. You may also consider sunscreen that has extra moisturizing ingredients so that your skin does not dry out.

Avoid Overheating

Try to avoid laying in the direct sun for too long, you may start to overheat and get signs of heat stroke. If you start to feel dizzy or ill at all, get help immediately. Make sure to learn the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion so that you can take action quickly. Avoid falling asleep in the sun, it can be quite dangerous. Consider taking an umbrella to the beach and laying under that. An umbrella will protect you the best from the sun's rays, keeping you out of them altogether. Also, consider wearing special clothing that is designed to reflect the sun's rays. This type of clothing usually is white and has an SPF rating. A hat is also a must to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face. Many people have very sensitive facial skin and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can result in more freckles, skin peeling, redness or a severe burn.

Protect Your Eyes

The sun at the beach will be extra strong, due to the reflection off the sand and the water, so it is essential to wear sunglasses that have strong UV protection at all times. It can also protect your eyes from glare and flying objects like a frisbee, sand or balls.

Going in the Water

If you are not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow water. If you prefer to go farther out in the water, make sure you stay with a partner. You should avoid drinking alcohol when you plan to go swimming, alcohol consumption can slow down your actions and response time in the water.

Make sure to swim in an area that has a lifeguard station with a lifeguard on duty. A lifeguard should be keeping watch on your section of the beach at all times. Lifeguards are skilled swimmers, knowing all first aid and emergency methods; they can be life savers at a time of emergency. If a lifeguard gives you an instruction, make sure to listen to him or her as they are there to protect you.

Keep Children Safe

Families often bring children to the beach, and it is absolutely crucial that they are watched and chaperoned at all times. Children can run into the water and get caught in a wave all too easily. It is your responsibility to make sure they are safe, even if a lifeguard is on duty in that area.

Items to Bring

Items that can make your day at the beach more comfortable include towels or blankets to lay on, a cooler with plenty of cold drinks, food, a trash bag for you to keep your trash and a cell phone in case of emergency. Many people also enjoy reading a book or listening to music at the beach.