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Independence Day is typically an ideal time to celebrate our freedom with friends and family, though the Fourth of July will look a little different this year because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If you are still planning to have fun-packed and safe holiday at the beach, remember to follow these handy safety tips below.
Beach safety starts before you even enter the water. Be aware that swimming in the ocean is different than swimming in a pool, so consider if you have the skills for this environment. When you arrive at the beach, look for and read all signs.
With beaches potentially crowded this holiday weekend, be mindful to only swim at a beach with a lifeguard, inside the designated swimming areas. Enter the water slowly and carefully to avoid cutting your feet, twisting an ankle or falling. It is wise to make sure you swim sober and always swim with a buddy. It is vital to know your limitations and that you will have enough energy to swim back to shore.
Lifeguards are an important part to ensuring proper safety. Try to obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. You can even ask them about local conditions as they are experts in the area. They know where submerged rocks are, and how those rocks could create dangerous currents you might not recognize. Though it may be tempting, always avoid swimming or surfing near rocks, jetties and piers. Never jump or dive from rocks into the water. Perilous rocks can be hidden under the water’s surface and you do not know what is below the surface, and different tides can significantly modify the water depth.
Another hidden danger at the beach is rip currents, which are narrow, powerful currents of water that run from the beach out into the ocean. They are hazardous, hard to identify and easy to get trapped in. If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Yell and signal to those on shore that you require assistance. To break the grip of the rip, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, swim toward shore. If you cannot swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head for the shore.
Jellyfish, one of the oceans more intimidating residents, can pose a risk to ocean swimmers. Do your research about jellyfish season before you head to the beach and always survey your surroundings when you arrive at the beach. Use caution if swimming in a location with jellyfish and avoid the water when there are a lot of jellyfish present, such as during a jellyfish bloom. Seeing jellyfish that have washed up on the beach may be a sign of jellyfish in the water. Jellyfish often appear on or near the shore after heavy rain, windy weather, or warmer temperatures.
If you are stung by jellyfish, first-aid care is typically sufficient, though exact treatment depends on the type of jellyfish, the severity of the sting and your reaction to it. To start, rinse the area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds, then gently pull out visible tentacles with a tweezer. Soak the skin in hot water, using water that is 104 to 113 F. The water should feel hot, not scalding. Keep the affected skin immersed or in a hot shower for 20 to 45 minutes. Some jellyfish stings cause pain and itching for a few days, so hot packs can reduce swelling and inflammation. Use antibiotic cream, such as Neosporin to reduce the risk of infection.
In addition to water safety, it is important to prepare your body and practice proper sun safety. Nothing beats soaking up the summer sun, so before you head out, protect yourself from sunburns by limiting your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as much as possible. Wear sunscreen with 15 SPF or higher and reapply it often.
Remember that extended exposure to heat and the calming effects of waves can easily lead to disorientation and low energy. Be sure to bring plenty of water and food to the beach with you to remain hydrated and keep your energy levels up.
Finally, make sure to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. By paying attention to these useful tips, you are likely to have an enjoyable and memorable Independence Day that you will remember for years to come.
Story Image: Ocean City Beach and pier from the inlet breakwater at dawn in Ocean City, Maryland on May 18, 2015. (Wikimedia Commons, Acroterion)