BEACH SWIMMING SAFETY

Although the beach is a wonderful experience, there are times and conditions that are a safety concern.

• Stay within the designated swimming area and ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard.
• Never swim alone.
• Know the flag warning system:
  -Red Flag: Stay OUT of the water - strong undertow and riptides.
  -Yellow Flag:  Use CAUTION in the water - some undertow and riptides possible.
  -Blue Flag: Calm water.
• Be aware of rip currents. If you should get caught in a current, don't try to swim against it. Swim parallel to shore until clear of the current.
• Use common sense - if the waves look dangerous... they probably are.
• Jellyfish cause intense burning. Lifeguards know the first aid procedure for reducing the pain.
• Seek shelter in case of storm. Get out of the water. Get off the beach in case of lightning.
• Watch children carefully and constantly. It only takes a couple of minutes for them to be knocked down by even the smallest wave and pulled out by a current.

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