By Gabrielle Bruscino
NJTV News Intern
If you are journeying to any of the 130 miles of New Jersey coastline this summer, take a moment to read about safety tips to keep your beach days fun and safe all summer long!
Weather
The National Weather Service reports that fishing and beach activities are the first and second greatest causes for lightning fatalities, respectively. It is important to be mindful of and attentive to changes in weather while spending time on the beach. The sounds of the surf and fellow beach goers can muffle the noise of an approaching storm. Additionally, beach goers on the Jersey Shore typically face east, while storms approach from the west, so many may not see ominous clouds nearing from behind. The National Weather Service recommends seeking shelter as soon as you see a storm approaching. But if you are caught by surprise, they advise:
– Evacuate bodies of water immediately.
– Do not lie flat on the ground.
– Do not seek shelter under isolated trees.
– Avoid conductors of electricity such as power lines and wire fences.
Water
If safety precautions are taken, the Jersey Shore’s waters can be a fun and refreshing place to play. The United States Lifesaving Association calculates that a person’s chance of drowning at a beach guarded by a USLA affiliated lifeguard is one in 18 million. To avoid being that one, follow these guidelines:
– Know how to swim.
– Swim with a buddy.
– Only swim at beaches monitored by lifeguards.
– Check with your lifeguards for information about water conditions.
– Observe signs, flags and whistles administered by lifeguards for safety instructions.
– Wear a life jacket.
– Enter water feet first.
Know what to do in the event of a rip current. Rip currents are concentrated courses of water moving out to sea. Waves crashing perpendicular to the shore and discoloration in the water are indications of rip currents. The USLA instructs that if you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not attempt to fight your way directly back to shore. Instead, swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the width of the current, and then swim safely to shore.
Sun
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can affect any person who spends time outdoors, even on overcast days. To combat these rays and prevent sunburns, follow some of the guidelines provided by the National Weather Service:
– Stay in the shade as much as possible.
– Wear a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses with UV protection!
– Use extra caution near bodies of water, which can reflect the sun’s rays and increase an individual’s chance of experiencing sunburn.
– Check the National Weather Service or EPA websites for the daily UV Index or download a UV Index app for on-the-go updates and alerts. Lifeguard stands often post the daily UV Index, also!
– The CDC recommends wearing sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15.
– Throw away sunscreens that are one to two years old.
– Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or perspiring.
– Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on smaller areas and places that can be forgotten, like ears, neck, tops of feet, backs of hands and holes in bathing suit designs.
– Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Bacteria
Bacteria thrive in moist environments. Here are some tips to keep this unassuming foe from menacing summer trips to the Jersey Shore.
– Shower after going to the beach to wash off bacteria that live in sand and water.
– Properly tend to open wounds, which present bacteria with surface area to spread infections.
– Avoid the beach the day after it rains. Untreated water runoff that makes its way to the ocean can be riddled with bacteria.
– Do not swallow ocean water and teach children to keep their mouth closed while playing in the surf.
– Observe advisories regarding bacteria counts.
Knowing your surroundings and taking the proper precautions regarding weather, water, sun and bacteria will give your family resources for a safe beach day. Just remember to pack a few extra dollars for ice cream to celebrate a timeless Jersey experience and enjoy all of the beauty and fun available to you from Sandy Hook to Cape May!