Beach Safety Tips: In and Out of the Water
The beach is a great place to spend time with your family or friends; however, it is essential to follow safety rules and take precautions to prevent injuries. You don’t want the fun in the sun to be interrupted by a trip to the hospital.
Located in Fairfield County, our team at Orthopaedic Specialty Group is providing you with beach safety tips, whether you are in or out of the water.
Locate the Beach Rules
Every beach has different guidelines and procedures, so it is important to find the signs and flags. These signs are designed for your safety. For example, a yellow flag represents moderate surf and/or currents, meaning you should be cautious and watch the waves. If you are not comfortable with swimming in those conditions, we recommend that you have a buddy out there with you.
Identify a Rip Current
There are a myriad of things to look out for at a beach, such as a rip current, or rip tide. A rip tide is a type of current where tidal water moves quickly underneath the water. Swimming in that current will push you away from shore, making it difficult to get out of it. If you happen to get stuck in a rip tide, swim parallel back to shore rather than in a straight line. Keep an eye out for areas where the waves aren’t breaking, foam or seaweed on the beach, or discolored water pulling from the shore.
Know Your Limitations
Within your group, everyone should have experience swimming in the ocean or other large bodies of water. There are more risks when swimming in an ocean because there are tides, unexpected changes, and so much more! Therefore, you should consider your limitations to ensure you don’t get hurt. If you don’t feel comfortable swimming in deep water, you should remain on shore. Moreover, if you are feeling exhausted or experiencing joint pain, listen to your body!
Keep an Eye on Eachother
One of the best ways for everyone to stay safe while at the beach and around water is to watch out for each other. Just like you should keep an eye on those around you, they can keep an eye on you too. If you plan on going in the ocean, for a walk, etc., tell your group so they know to be on the lookout in case of an emergency. If you think there is something wrong, don’t hesitate to help or get help from a lifeguard or other official.
For exceptional orthopaedic care, contact Orthopaedic Specialty Group!
It’s crucial to seek expert medical treatment if you struggle with problems or pain associated with your bones or joints. Give the professionals at Orthopaedic Specialty Group a call at (203) 337-2600, and let us know how we can help you! Don’t let that pain hold you back from living your life. Your health and safety are our top priority.