Summertime fun on the beach includes taking the plunge and swimming in the ocean, but sometimes dangers lurk offshore for the unprepared. Planning ahead and thinking about safety before heading into the water can make a beach vacation much more fun, carefree and relaxing.
Preparation
The National Park Service recommends observing the ocean for a few minutes before going into the water. Looking at the ocean from onshore can give a good idea of wave strength, currents, deep areas and potential hazards that may be just below the surface. A lifeguard on duty can also explain any dangerous water conditions that are present.
Weather Conditions
Keep an eye on the weather, as it can change quickly. The sound of thunder should serve as a warning bell to leave the water when swimming in the ocean. Lightning can strike swimmers and is more attracted to water than land, so people in the water are more vulnerable. Bad weather conditions just offshore may also cause heavy waves that can knock down people just at the water's edge and drag swimmers into deeper water, even if the storm hasn't made it to shore yet.
Water Movement
A rip current, or riptide, is a strong channel of water caused by one current flowing into or across another. Riptides cause fatalities when people caught in them try to swim against the current. Instead, people caught in a riptide should swim sideways, angling back toward the beach, explains the National Park Service. Swimmers should also avoid swimming during rough seas. Serious injuries can result from swimmers being tossed headfirst into the ocean bottom.
Ocean Organisms
Before entering the ocean, it's a good idea to find out if any wildlife warnings are in effect. Beaches where sharks have been spotted recently are obviously not a good choice for swimming, but other, smaller organisms are more common and often overlooked. Jellyfish frequently make an appearance, especially in the Atlantic Ocean off the U.S. East Coast. According to the Virginia Beach Vacation Guide, a jellyfish sting should be rinsed with salt water and treated with white vinegar to reduce the stinging. All tentacles remaining on the swimmer need to be removed using protective clothing or implements such as tweezers or forceps.
Have Help Available
Swim at beaches that have lifeguards. And swimming with a partner or group is a good idea when at the ocean because it leaves someone to call for help if any problems arise. Children should not be left alone to swim in the ocean but should have adult supervision at all times.
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