When you visit Bamboo Beach Club Resort, you’ll be delighted to find that the white, powdery sands of Clearwater Beach are a few blocks away. Before you hit the beach for a day of sun and swimming, we want you to keep beach safety top of mind. Dangers do lurk in the water and we want you to enjoy yourself safely when you visit Florida’s beaches.
General Ocean Safety Tips
- Always swim in front of a lifeguard.
- Ask a lifeguard about surf conditions and rip current risks.
- Watch children carefully when they are in the ocean.
- If you see someone in trouble, don’t become a victim too. Throw the person something that floats and get help from a lifeguard or call 9-1-1.
Rip Current 4-11
What is a riptide or rip current? Riptides or rip currents are channels of fast-moving water that can pull even the most experienced swimmers from shore. If you get caught in a rip current, remember what to do.
- Remain calm.
- Do not fight the current.
- Swim parallel to the shore until you are outside of the perpendicular rip. Head for areas with breaking waves, since that indicates water is flowing toward the beach.
- If you are unable to swim out of the current, calmly float or tread water. Do not try to swim against the rip current – that will only tire you out.
- If you are unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving or yelling for help.
- You can spot a rip current. Look out for gaps between the waves and for discolored water near the shore.
Undertow
Are undertows dangerous? They can be. An undertow is usually much milder than a rip current. However, undertows can have enough power to sweep swimmers out to sea. If you find yourself in an undertow, remember these tips.
- Keep your feet on the bottom as much as possible when swimming in surf conditions.
- Remain calm if an undertow begins to pull you away from shore.
- Call for help immediately if you can’t swim well.
- Swim parallel to shore to get out of the current.
Jellyfish stings
What if a jellyfish stings me? Jellyfish are common in Atlantic waters and sometimes wash ashore. Jellyfish stings are rarely serious, but they may require first aid treatment. If you get stung, here’s what to do.
- Find a lifeguard if there is one nearby to render first aid.
- If you’re alone, treat the area by rinsing the sting with salt water, apply vinegar or a baking soda paste and take a pain reliever.
- Go to the emergency room or see your doctor for persistent rash or skin irritation or if the sting is near your eyes.
Lightning
Are lightning strikes a concern? Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from where it’s raining. As soon as you hear thunder, follow these tips to keep your family out of strike range.
- Leave the beach
- Take shelter in an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Stay off the beach for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
Most fun activities have inherent risks, but if you know what to do and what to look out for you can enjoy your day at the beach with peace of mind. What tips do you have to stay safe at the beach? Share in the comments below.
Rip Current photo: https://www.volusia.org/services/public-protection/beach-safety/beach-safety-tips.stml
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