With everyone eager to enjoy the beach, water safety is of paramount importance to the entire family – no matter the age. Young or old, the ocean or lake can be an enjoyable place to relax and have fun, as long as you know the rules about water safety.

1. Watch the Warning Flags and know what they mean

The warning flags are to help you understand the conditions of the waves and any hazards that may exist for that day. Here are what some of the flags mean:

• Double Red Flag: Beach closed
  • Red Flag: High Hazard/High waves or possible strong currents • Yellow Flag: Medium Hazards/Moderate waves and currents
  • Green Flag: Low Hazard/Calm conditions, but use caution
  • Purple Flag: Dangerous Marine Life in area
  • Red and Yellow Flag: Swimming area
  2. Check Weather

Always know what the weather is going to be for that day, so you can plan your day at the beach. Is it going to be hot or are there going to be thunderstorms? Remember lightning and water do not mix.

3. Know How to Swim

If you are not a strong swimmer or if you are a beginner swimmer, wear a lifejacket or non- inflatable flotation device. If you are a good swimmer, remember you are not swimming in a pool or lake the waves and currents can affect your stamina and put you in danger if you are too far away from a lifeguard station.

4. Pick a Spot to Swim that is near a lifeguard station

Lifeguards are there for a reason; they know and can see things about the beach that most beachgoers don’t. Take note of where they’re stationed on the beach and stay near them when swimming; most drownings occur at unguarded sites. Also be aware that currents will naturally push you down the shore, so make note of where you started (perhaps by remembering a stable landmark like the lifeguard’s flag or your brightly-colored umbrella on shore) and which way the current is moving. Return to that spot in the water regularly so you’re never far from a lifeguard.

5. Watch for Rip Currents

Waves don’t always break evenly along the shore. And when they don’t – i.e., when they break more strongly in some areas than others – it can cause a circulation in the water that produces a rip current (basically a strong channel of water extending from the shore out into the water). Rip currents also tend to form near a shallow point in the water, such as a sandbar, or close to jetties

and piers and can happen at any beach with breaking waves. They are the number one hazard for beachgoers and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea.

6. Be Aware of the Waves

They’re much more powerful than you think. A recent study out of Delaware found that injuries resulting from strong waves can range from simple sprains, broken collarbones, and dislocated shoulders to more serious injuries including blunt organ trauma and spinal injuries (which can lead to paralysis). Shore breaks – or waves that break directly on shore (rather than breaking a few yards out and rolling in more slowly) – in particular have the potential to cause serious neck and spinal injuries. When in the water or near the water line (where the water hits the shore), never put your back to the waves. Also be sure to check in with the lifeguard before hitting the surf to ask about the wave conditions at your beach.

7. Stay Sober

Alcohol doesn’t only affect judgment; it can also dehydrate you, increasing the likelihood of heat- related sicknesses. Among drowning-related injuries of people aged 15 years or older, almost 22 percent were alcohol-related. We know it’s tempting to enjoy a few Pina Coladas while baking on the beach, but if you’re going to imbibe steer clear of the surf and hydrate properly.

8. Watch for Sun Sickness/Stroke (and find yourself some shade)

A few hours of baking under the sun can cause some seriously uncool symptoms and may even lead to severe sickness. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and sun poisoning can all result from dehydration and extended exposure to high temperatures, so make sure to drink plenty of water (and avoid dehydrating liquids like coffee or alcohol).

Symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and sun poisoning include confusion and dizziness, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, excessive sweating or lack of sweating, pale skin, swelling (particularly of the hands or face), rapid heartbeat, and confusion. Sun poisoning can also be indicated by skin redness and blistering, pain and tingling, or fever and chills.

9. Be Aware of Ocean Life

Luckily, shark attacks aren’t that common (the U.S. averages just 19 shark attacks each year, and only one every two years is fatal). Most ocean life by the shore shouldn’t cause too much worry, but it’s always good to be aware.

Jellyfish are another creature to look out for; many varieties have tentacles that can discharge venom-filled stingers into your skin, causing a sting. These can vary greatly in severity: They usually result only in a painful, red, irritated mark, though some types can cause severe and life-threatening injuries.

10. Hydrate and Fuel Up

Extended exposure to heat and the relaxing effects of waves can easily lead to disorientation and reduced energy. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks down to the sand with you and use them.

The Y has multiple swim lesson classes for children of all ages as well as adults. Furthermore, water safety instructor courses, lifeguarding courses, and more are offered through the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA’s aquatic programs. For more information on these programs or any aspect of healthy living, youth development, or social responsibility please visit www.lakelandhillsymca.com or call Rosemary Linder Day at rosemaryl@lhymca.com.

As always, no other organization can impact as many, as powerfully, as the Y does every day.