Safety while swimming at the Beach | Security World News

Cristiano Ronaldo | May 21, 2011 | Comments 0

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Whereas, there is a lot of fun and pleasure to derive from swimming in open seas, it is important to understand that the ocean can be an erratic and dangerous place. It is reported that at least 111 individuals perished in 2009 while swimming in the ocean at various beaches in the United States and many more rescued from the jaws of death. Nonetheless, when you have been equipped with safety information to observe while at the beach chances of incurring injuries or fatalities is greatly reduced.

The following are safety precautions to observe to observe while planning to swim at the beach.

Tips and guidelines

1. Always swim next to a lifeguard

According to statistics released by the United States Lifesaving Association, it is believed that probabilities of drowning are 5 times more on a beach that does not have a lifeguard. Lifeguards are personnel who have been specially trained to identify and prevent common water dangers, for example, saving a swimmer in distress. If the beach does not have at least two lifeguards or lacks one then go to another beach or make certain that there is someone at the shore who can respond quickly to your distress.

1. Do not struggle with the rip current

Statistics recently released by the US Lifesaving Association states that the number one cause for drowning at the beach and reason for rescues a majority of the time is rip currents.? In a layman?s term, rip currents is the water that dashes back into the sea down narrow channels after being thrust? to the shore. Rip currents are more likely to occur in areas that have structures protruding into the sea, for example, piers and jetties. As such, it is highly recommended to avoid swimming in areas that experience high rip currents. Nonetheless, should you be caught in a rip current the best thing to do is not to fight it. Exhaustion is the main cause of drowning in people caught in rip currents. The best line of defense is to swim parallel to the rip current when heading towards the shore. If you are unable, let the current carry you whilst calling out for help.

1. Understand your capability

Overestimating your own swimming skills, accounts for the second highest cause of accidental drowning while at the beach. It is important to recognize your own swimming skills and sticking to them. In case you are not a skilled swimmer talk with the lifeguard stationed at the beach on the best floatation vest to wear while in the water. In addition, make certain that you don?t float in areas where you cannot swim properly. There are times when unexpected currents can carry you back into the sea and be unable to swim back even if you have floatation devices

1. Do not swim when under the influence

Swimming when under the influence of alcohol or drugs only functions in messing up your judgment and hinders your ability to make informed decision in emergency situations. Moreover, alcohol is known to decrease the body temperature and capability to swim.

1. Watch out for wild animals

Last but not least, it is important to note that, you are sharing the water with wildlife living therein. Therefore, always be on the watch out and avoid animals even if they appear harmless.

Filed Under: Family Safety ? Featured

Source: http://www.securityworldnews.com/2011/05/21/safety-while-swimming-at-the-beach/

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