10 tips to staying safe at the beach
1. Obey the Lifeguard
Lifeguards are the first line of defense for the safety of people on beaches - so listen to them. It seems obvious but every year lifeguards rescue people and provide first aid to people who simply did not listen.
A lifeguards aim is not to prevent people having fun, but to protect people from any dangerous situations before they happen.
Don't be afraid to talk to a lifeguard either. If you have any questions bout swimming in the sea or anything else, the lifeguards are there to help.
2. Know when Lifeguards are on duty
Beach Lifeguards across the country will be resuming their duties this summer for the bathing season.
In Cork, Lifeguards will be on duty from 10.30am until 7pm at the weekends only in June, full time (Monday to Sunday, 10.30am - 7pm) throughout July and August and for the first two weekends in September.
You can find a list of lifeguard waterways here.
3. Get familiar with the Beach Lifeguard Flag System
The Beach Lifeguard Flag System is important for water safety at the beach as it indicates where and when to swim and when not to.
- A Red-over-Yellow Flag above or near the Lifeguard station means that it is safe to swim and Lifeguards are on duty;
- A Red Flag means "Danger! No Swimming”;
- The area between two Red-over-Yellow flags on the beach indicate the swimming zone or the safest place to swim.
4. Watch out for rip currents
Rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea. They have measured speeds of up to 8km/h.
A rip current can be identified by a channel of choppy water, an area having a notable difference in water colour or a break in the incoming wave pattern.
If you find yourself caught in a rip current it is important to remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly. Don’t fight the current. Swim diagonally out of the current and then into shore.
If you can't escape a rip current face the shore and draw attention to yourself by waving your arms and calling for help. If you see someone in the water in distress, alert a lifeguard or call the Coast Guard.
5. Be aware of the hazards
People should always be aware of the hazards at a beach both on shore and in the sea.
On the shore, shifting sands and uneven ground of sand dunes can also pose a threat to people’s safety. Sand dunes have been known to collapse either with people on or beneath them. This can cause them to become trapped.
At sea and on shore rocks and holes can cause injury. If people fall into a man made hole which is unnoticed or hit a rock buried in the sand it can cause serious injury. If you or someone you know injury yourself on the beach, always alert the lifeguard. Remember, lifeguards are trained in first aid.
6. Respect your surroundings
While a trip to the beach should be a fun day out, it is important to have a respectful attitude towards water safety.
Be careful when rock climbing or cliff diving. Both these activities can have tragic consequences and lifeguards advise against taking part in them. Cliff diving is particularly dangerous as you may not know the depth of the water underneath you.
Man made structures such as walls and piers can also be dangerous. Seawater and seaweed make these surfaces slippery and people can fall if not careful.
7. Avoid alcohol
It seems like another obvious one, but you should never drink alcohol at the beach. The consumption of alcohol on the beach is illegal.
On average, a third of drowning victims had consumed alcohol.
Never drink alcohol and swim or sail.
8. Inflatables, blow up beds and rings
Lifeguards would advise never to use inflatables in open water. The June Bank Holiday weekend see's a full moon on June 2nd, which will create a higher risk due to stronger tides.
Inflatables pose a great risk of being carried out to sea due to stronger currents or strong off-shore winds which is why lifeguards advise against using them.
9. Supervise your children
Lifeguards say parents should keep children under constant supervision, especially when they are in the sea.
Beaches can often by busy and there are ways to help prevent your child from becoming lost.
- Get your child to wear recognisable clothing and have him or her wear something with your contact details on it (a bracelet for example);
- Before you go to the beach, agree a meeting place in case of separation;
- Make your child aware that they should never wander off or go swimming on their own;
- Tell your child that if he or she gets lost go to meeting point, or to tell a lifeguard they are lost.
If your child does go missing, calmly check your surrounding area, ensure any other children remain monitored and contact the Lifeguards immediately. Finally, let all searchers know when the child is found.
10. Have fun!
Lifeguards want people to enjoy their time at the beach so make sure you enjoy yourself. With these helpful tips you'll be able to enjoy all the perks of the beach and remain safe doing so.
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