When we go to “the beach”, it’s most often the ocean. We do have many lakes nearby, but always seem to prefer the mud flats, tides, soft sand and cooling breezes of the Bay of Fundy.
Photo credit – Oak Lawn Images {http://oaklawnimages@blogspt.com/}
Swimming in the ocean is very different from swimming in a pool or lake. The strength and force of even small ocean waves can surprise beach goers who are unfamiliar with the power of the sea. When particular surf conditions are present at some beaches, rip currents can occur.
Be beach safe –
- always swim in supervised beach areas.
- ensure children are supervised at all times.
- never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy and watch out for each other.
- do not consume alcohol or drugs before or while swimming. Alcohol and drugs impair your abilities and judgement.
- weaker swimmers and young children should wear a properly-sized life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
- pay close attention to surf conditions. Waves and currents can make water more dangerous than usual.
Rip currents are powerful and can pull people away from shore. Even the strongest swimmers can get into trouble if caught in a rip current. Do not panic if this happens to you; relax and swim parallel to the shore to get out of the current; then swim back to shore. Do not attempt to swim back to shore against the current; it is too strong. Ask your lifeguard for more information when you arrive at the beach.
Photo credit – http://www.tourismpei.com/beach-safety
Some information contained in this post was obtained from Tourism PEI.
Loved that beach all those many years ago, and still love it now….. matter of fact can’t wait for a week there in July!! Good pointers for everyone!!
Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice
Beaches are always lots of fun for the whole family. I especially love New River Beach.
Kathy at Oak Lawn Images
Wow! I’ve never heard of that kind of current before. Thanks for sharing this!
The ocean is very beautiful but it can also be very dangerous!
Rip currents are a tad frightening to me, as I haven’t any experience with them. I would def. find out more if I was to ever take the family to an ocean beach.
oh how I miss the beach!! I grew up on the West coast and I miss the ocean something fierce!
Excellent tips for sure- when I took my kids to the ocean a couple of summers ago they were shocked by how different it was from the lake!
It is fairly different, I would miss it too Tara if I ever moved away. I bet you’re kids loved the waves :)
Funny I posted this week about how Drowing doens’t look like it does on TV. This message is so important, we must remember the risks.
Julie, I agree, the ocean or any water for that matter is beautiful to look at but needs to be respected as it is very unforgiving! I posted about drowning last week. Great minds must think alike :)
I love that you posted this! Many people don’t think of real safety when visiting the beach. We often to go to a beach near us in the summer, and rules are posted but you’d be amazed as to how many just walk past them without even looking. :)
I know Jodi, I’ve done the same thing myself, but a reminder, especially this time of the year is good for all of us.
These are great tips, thanks for sharing. I wish we had an ocean near us, the nearest lake is 40-1hr away, it’s not the same, but it has to be better then nothing, lol.
LaQuita, I love the ocean and find it very beautiful, but, for swimming, lakes are much better…the water in the Atlantic is very, very cold!!