Today being the hottest day of the year no doubt some of you will be hitting the beach to enjoy the sunshine. If this weather is to continue through the Summer then the tips below will be worth reading and sharing to ensure that you stay safe.
Do you know how to enjoy your day staying safe on the beach?
- Only swim at lifeguarded beaches.
- Read safety signs at the entrance to the beach.
- Learn the meanings of the lifeguard flags.
- Check when the tide will be low and high, and make sure that you won’t be cut off from the beach exit by the rising tide.
- Never enter the water after drinking alcohol.
In addition to the above tips, ensure you and your family know the SAFE code:
Spot – spot the dangers.
Advice – follow safety signs and advice.
Friend – stay close to a friend or family member.
Emergency – shout for help and know the emergency number to call.
Swimming in Open Water can also come with its own hazards and risks.
Around 85% of accidental drownings occur at open water sites. Many of these drownings occur due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of the hazards at open water sites. The basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase enjoyment of open water and significantly reduce the number of incidents that occur each year.
Open Water Safety Tips
The conditions at open water sites change constantly:
- Always look for warning and guidance signs.
- Swim parallel with the shore, not away from it.
- Avoid drifting in the currents.
- Do not enter fast flowing water.
- Be aware of underwater hazards.
- Get out of the water as soon as you start to feel cold.
- Never enter the water after consuming alcohol.
- Only enter the water in areas with adequate supervision and rescue cover.
- Always wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket for activities on the water or at the water’s edge (such as when boating or fishing).
- Always take someone with you when you go into or near water. If something goes wrong they will be able to get help.
- If someone is in difficulty in the water shout reassurance to them and shout for help and call the emergency services (call 999 or 112).
- Without endangering yourself see if you can reach out to them with a stick, pole or item of clothing – lie down to ensure you stay secure. Alternatively throw something buoyant to them such as a ring buoy or anything that will float.
To be fully aware of all procedures should you encounter difficulties in the water and on a First Aid basis why not attend one of our National Pool Life Guarding Course that covers all areas. Our next course is on the 11th August and will run for 5 days. Find out more details on the course.
Information supplied by http://www.rlss.org.uk
