A vacation at the beach is a beautiful thing: abundant sunshine, a cooling breeze, gorgeous scenery, relaxing in the shade enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. But while you look forward to swimming, surfing, sailing and taking in the stunning sunrises and sunsets, you should be aware there are more dangers associated with beachfront vacations than many people realize. Here are a few things to which you should pay attention when you're at the shore.
Inclement Weather
The weather can be more extreme by a coast. It can also be very unpredictable with strong winds, torrential rains, floods, and hurricanes moving in suddenly. As you plan your beach vacation, pay attention to weather reports for the region where you are headed. While you are at the beach frolicking in the warm sand and the cool waters, note any significant changes in the weather, tides, and currents.
Rip Currents
Over 80% of the rescues performed by beach lifeguards are for people caught in rip currents or rip tides. These are powerful, fast-moving currents that flow away from the shore, pulling unwitting swimmers past the surf zone, past breaking waves, and out into deep ocean waters. Being able to recognize and avoid rip currents will help you to stay safe on your beach vacation. Only swim at beaches that have lifeguards. If caught in a rip current, don't panic. Swim in a direction parallel to the shore. Then gradually make your way back to land while swimming at an angle.
Shorebreak
When waves quickly transition from deep water to shallow water and break on the shore quickly, it can create a dangerous and unpredictable condition called a shorebreak. This can happen whether the waves are small or large. The shorebreak's power can pitch people to the ground forcefully and cause serious injuries to the cervical spine and the extremities. Before heading into the water, ask the lifeguard about the condition of the waves.
Lightning
Lightning poses a serious threat to beachgoers. In the United States, 33 people a year are killed by lightning. Large bodies of water attract lightning. When a thunderstorm drifts into your area and lightning strikes, head indoors. Buildings and hard-topped vehicles are the safest places to be when there is a lightning storm. Wait for 30 minutes after the lightning stops before returning to the beach.
Jellyfish
While at the beach, watch out for jellyfish. Don't touch jellyfish that wash up on the shore. If their tentacles are wet, they can still sting you. Even tentacles torn off the jellyfish can sting. If stung, don't try to rinse it off. Water can trigger the release of more poison. There are special products for jellyfish stings. Lifeguards usually have them. There are over 2,000 species of jellyfish, so be careful. About 70 of them can cause severe harm and occasionally kill people. If stung by a jellyfish when swimming, seek help from a lifeguard or a medical professional.
Image credit: Chileno Bay Resort & Residences
Too Much Sun
People often head to the beach to get a little sun. But too much heat from the sun can have serious consequences and ruin your vacation. Staying in the sun too long can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and severe sunburn. Sunburns can cause dangerous health problems in the present and in the future. If after a few hours on the beach you develop a severe sunburn, feel lightheaded, have a headache, fever or chills, seek medical help immediately.
Contaminated Water
The water at the beach can contain a number of things that are health hazards. They include trash, untreated sewage, storm-water pollution, hazardous chemicals, harmful algal blooms, and many other contaminants. These can be toxic and cause ear and eye infections, serious illness, or even death. Seek out information online or from public health officials about the water quality at the beach you want to visit before swimming there or eating shellfish from it.
Sharks
Although shark attacks are relatively rare, they have been increasing in recent years and can occur near the shore. Learn what kinds of sharks swim in the area you will be visiting. To minimize your risk of being attacked by a shark, don't swim during darkness or twilight. Stay in a group with other swimmers. Do not go in the water with a bleeding wound. Before going into the water, remove shiny jewelry. Avoid wearing swimwear that is brightly-colored. When swimming, do not thrash around. Pay attention to signals from a lifeguard that indicate a shark in the water.
Watch Your Step
Stingrays, sinkholes, sea urchins, shells, coral, and rocks in the water can all cause cuts, scrapes, sprains, and even serious infections if you step on them. Trash and debris on the beach can do the same. Consider wearing snug-fitting water shoes to protect your feet. They can help to prevent your feet from getting painful cuts and abrasions.
Vacationing at a beach house can be lots of fun. But while you enjoy the beach experience, remember to be careful. Planning ahead and paying attention can help you avoid the hidden beach dangers and safely enjoy yourself.
Featured image courtesy of Cape Town Villas