Basic Rules for Safety in The Beach
Having fun at the beach is one of the most salubrious and enjoyable ways in the world to spend a holiday.

But along with the enjoyment and pleasure, it is equally important to observe certain basic safety measures while on the beach. Always remember that accidents happen quickly and without warning. The most common cause of accidents on the beach is a lack of safety knowledge, or a disregard of the safety rules.

Here is a list of top ten tips that will keep you safe at the beach:

  1. LEARN TO SWIM: As a basic rule of safety, you must know how to swim before you go on a beach holiday. If your family is with you, then the children must also know how to swim.
  2. SUPERVISE CHILDREN AND BE NEAR A LIFEGUARD: When you have little kids with you, make sure that you all stay near a lifeguard, and even then you personally keep an eye on the kids.
  3. CHECK THE WATER CONDITIONS: Before you go near the water, check if there is any warning signal, or inquire with a lifeguard about the beach conditions or any other expected danger.
  4. REMAIN WITHIN THE DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREA: Never go beyond the marked areas that are under the supervision of lifeguards, and observe the discipline.
  5. BE CONSCIOUS OF ANY RIP CURRENTS: Never try to swim against the current if you get caught in one. Swim parallel to the shore till you manage to get free of the current.
  6. WATCH OUT FOR ANY SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE: If you experience rapid breathing, weak pulse rate, and red, hot skin, immediate seek medical help as heat stroke can be dangerous.
  7. DO NOT RELY ON FLOTATION DEVICES: Always depend on your swimming skills. If you are not confident, then do not venture into the water. But in any case, avoid dependence on flotation devices, because if you lose your device, it can be dangerous.
  8. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: While on the beach, keep drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Otherwise there is a risk of dehydration due to the hot sun and exhausting conditions.
  9. STAY CLEAR FROM ROCKS AND AQUATIC LIFE: Always be careful not to hit yourself against a rocky surface, and even avoid sea vegetation etc. as it can pose a hazard to your swimming. The less experienced swimmers should not enter deep water, and stay in very shallow waters only.
  10. RESPECT THE JUDGEMENT OF LIFEGUARDS: Obey the instructions of lifeguards at all times because they are experienced and they know exactly what is safe and what is not. So follow their judgment and do not insist on your way.

SUN SAFETY TIPS ON THE BEACH

To avoid exposure to the harmful direct ultra-violet sun rays, you may take a few precautions as follows:

  • Wear dark sun-glasses.
  • Wear full-sleeved clothes, and if possible, a hat.
  • Apply any good sun-screen cream every few hours in the sun.