Being in the surf--whether swimming, bodysurfing or boogie boarding--can be exhilarating, with flawless blue summer sky, shimmering sand and sparkling water all combining to create a perfect summer experience. However, ocean waves and currents can be unpredictable, capable of quickly overwhelming even the strongest swimmers. Following some basic rules can help ensure that your beach day is both enjoyable and safe.
Lifeguards
The single most important factor in surf safety is the presence of lifeguards, who are extraordinarily effective at protecting swimmers. The United States Lifesaving Association gives the odds of drowning at a beach on which lifeguards are on duty as an infinitesimal 1 in 18 million. If lifeguards are not on duty, stay out of the water.
Safety Rules for Water's Edge and Shallow Water
Mishaps can occur in shallow water as well as deep. Waves breaking directly onto the shore with little or no water under them--a condition known as shore break--can be treacherous. Storm Fax says that shore break is the primary cause of serious neck, back and shoulder injuries at the beach. Aloha Beach Camp cautions that you should never turn your back on the ocean; even a small wave can knock you down and cause injury if you don't see it coming. In addition, you should never enter the ocean by diving into it; this is another major cause of head and neck injuries.
High Surf
High surf conditions call for extreme caution. Aloha.com advises watching the surf for 15 minutes before entering the water to evaluate the height of the waves, and to be aware of flags or posted warnings. The website offers a useful rule of thumb for high surf: no surfing, boogie boarding or bodysurfing unless you are an expert, and no paddling about unless you are an authentically powerful swimmer. High surf on any beach can be dangerous, but high surf conditions in Hawaii are particularly life-threatening. According to Aloha.com, waves during high surf on the North Shore of Oahu customarily reach heights of 25 ft.; at times, individual wave sets can reach a towering 50 ft.
Rip Currents
Currents are fast-moving swaths of water that make swimming difficult. Aloha.com notes that they often accompany high surf and rapid changes of tide. Aloha Beach Camp states that you may be able to identify rip currents by their muddy appearance, and the fact that they appear to be moving away from shore. If you get caught by a rip current, do not fight it. Wave your arms high over your head to attract the lifeguard's attention, and try to swim parallel to the shore. Once you are out of the rip current, you should be able to swim back to the beach.
Common Sense Guidelines and Preparations
A large part of safety in the surf depends on common sense. Don't swim when drugged or intoxicated--even being mildly tipsy can affect your judgment and create a dangerous situation. In addition, Aloha Beach Club points out that alcohol can lower your body temperature and affect your swimming skills. Liberally applying sunscreen, wearing footwear that will prevent your feet from getting burned on the sand, and bringing water to avoid getting dehydrated are other common-sense steps you can take to avoid discomfort and even injury.
Member Comments