The beautiful summer sun shines in a cloudless sky, as you lounge in a beach chair watching the ocean waves. Your family is around you, the sunshine is warm, and the tang of salt water is tangible on the light breeze. It’s the perfect family vacation!
During the summer months, thousands of families take to the beach for a relaxing ocean vacation. With around 12,000 miles of total coastline in the United States and surrounding territories, you’re bound to find an ocean beach that gives you the perfect getaway.
However, during your ocean vacation, you’ll still need to keep your family’s safety in mind. Here are a few tips to help you have a relaxing and safe ocean beach vacation.
Beware of Rip Currents
Rip currents are the number one danger for many ocean locations. These powerful jets of water will pull you quickly away from shore, and can quickly exhaust you while swimming. If you do get caught in a rip current — don’t panic! Instead of trying to swim directly towards shore, instead try swimming parallel to shore. Eventually, you should be able to break free of the rip current, and make your way to safety. Be sure to tell your family about how to escape a rip current.
Respect Local Wildlife
This isn’t just so that you can avoid disturbing animals in their natural habitat – it’s very important for safety as well. Most ocean-living organisms will leave you and your family alone, as long as they aren’t disturbed. However, you still need to be aware of any poisonous or potentially dangerous wildlife in the area where you’ll be having your vacation. This could include jellyfish, poisonous fish or even local insects. Be sure that you know the proper treatment method for dealing with an incident involving local animals.
Anticipate Changing Weather
Many ocean areas are subject to rapidly changing weather patterns. While you may be enjoying a beautiful cloudless sky one minute, a powerful storm could roll in without warning! Be sure to pay attention to any changes in the temperature, air pressure or wind speed while vacationing in an ocean area. You should also get regular updates on the weather forecast, including the chance of any storms developing. If you hear thunder or see lightning – don’t delay! Immediately get your family dried off, leave the beach area and bring them to safety.
