We all love to go to the beach with friends and family for a school break or a weekend and have a little fun, right? There's nothing like splashing in the ocean and having a little fun. But if we don't think about a little bit of fun, that fun can turn into a big deal. So today, let's talk about some of the most important things we need to take care of for our safety at the beach.
Keep an eye on the little ones!
If you're going to the beach with your little one, this is the most important thing . An adult should always keep an eye on the child. When little ones drown in the water, they don't scream or struggle like in the movies. It happens very quietly. So even a momentary glance can be a big danger.
- No matter how good a swimmer they are: Make sure your child wears an approved lifejacket.
- Don't even think about Waterwings: Some parents give little ones things like waterwings. Remember, they don't provide any protection . They can easily come off.
Imagine, while you are chatting with a friend, your child is drifting away with the waves. What if a big wave suddenly comes and overturns the child? So, when you are with your children , put the phone and all conversations in second place. The child comes first.
Be aware of tides and dangers at sea.
The sea is not always as beautiful as it seems. It can have hidden dangers. It is not wise to go swimming alone or to swim on deserted beaches. It is safest to swim where there are lifeguards. But even if there are, we must be responsible for our own safety.
Let's learn about two major dangers at sea.
| Nature of the accident | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Rip Current It's like a hidden river in the ocean. This wave is pulling you rapidly toward the ocean. If you get caught in it, trying to swim back to shore will only make you more tired. | Stay calm. Don't panic. Instead of swimming straight to the shore, swim parallel to the shore, to one side or the other. After swimming for a while, you will notice that the waves are getting weaker. Only then should you swim towards the shore. |
| Shore Break On some steep beaches, the waves don't break in the ocean, but right where the water meets the sand. These waves are very strong. If you get caught in one, you can be washed ashore. | Avoid swimming at these beaches. In particular, do not dive headfirst into the water. There is a high risk of breaking your neck and causing serious injury if you get caught in such a wave. |
Other important things
- If the water is a different color, very murky, or has debris floating around, do not get into the water.
- Never go swimming in the sea after drinking alcohol . Alcohol is the cause of about half of all accidents at sea. Young people, especially, need to be very careful about this.
Protecting the skin from the sun (Sunscreen)
This is something that many people forget when they go to the beach, but it's very important.
"A SPF of 45 means you can stay in the sun 45 times longer than you would without sunscreen, right?"... This is a complete misconception . No matter how high the SPF of a sunscreen is, its maximum protection only lasts for about two hours.
- When to apply: You should apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before leaving home , not right before you hit the beach. This is because it takes a while for it to be absorbed into the skin and take effect.
- Reapply: Whether you go in the water or not, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours . Sweating also reduces the effectiveness of sunscreen.
- How to apply: It's not enough to just dab a little on a few spots. Apply it to the skin thoroughly. Be careful of places we forget, like behind the ears and on the soles of our feet.
- The best type: Sunscreens containing `( Zinc Oxide )` are good for the skin and provide good protection. They don't look white like they used to, and there are even transparent types now.
Sunburn is not the only risk factor for skin cancer. Imagine getting burned all over your face, blistering, and then later developing brown spots? So if you care about your skin's beauty, sunscreen is a must.
A few more things not to forget
Avoid dehydration.
The beach is a hot place. So it's easy to become dehydrated by holding water in your body. If that happens, you may experience symptoms like feeling dizzy, feeling very tired, and feeling cold and sweating. So drink water regularly . It's also a good idea to bring an ice pack to keep your food and drinks cool. It can also help prevent food poisoning.
Jellyfish and insects
If you see blue balloon-like jellyfish (Portuguese Man o' War) floating on the beach, remember that they are also in the water. If their venom gets into your body, applying a little vinegar to the area can help reduce the pain. However, if the condition is severe or if you develop an allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
You can use a cream containing `(DEET)` to protect yourself from insects. However, be sure to consult your doctor before using these on young children and pregnant women.
First aid kit
It's a good idea to keep a basic first aid kit, available from a pharmacy. Also, don't forget to bring your inhaler if you have a medical condition like asthma, and any medications you may need if you have severe allergies.
Take-Home Message
- Keep an eye on your children: If you're going to the beach with children, never take your eyes off them for a second. A lifejacket is a must.
- Be aware of rip currents: If you are caught in a rip current, don't panic, swim parallel to the shore and get out of it.
- Sunscreen is a must: Apply 30 minutes before leaving the house. Reapply every two hours.
- Drink plenty of water: Don't go into the sea after drinking alcohol. It can lead to accidents.
- Keep a first aid kit handy: Be prepared for minor emergencies.
- Keep the beach clean: We need to make sure that the beach we enjoy is clean so that those who come after us can enjoy it as well.
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