Summer time is the perfect time to head to the beach, top up a tan, and enjoy an ice cream. Summer is also a time when we need to be more cautious by the sea and ensure that we stay safe in the blue waters.

Today, it is time for us to take a look at some ways in which we can avoid injury or incident in the sea, and make sure that everyone in the family has a great summer time. Here are some of our top tips for safety by the sea to ensure that you don’t need a maritime accident attorney or a hospital trip this summer.

Understand Rip Currents

Water, in all of its forms, ebbs and flows with the wind and weather. Although we most likely associate strong currents with rivers and streams, there are also oceans which show this trait. It is therefore important for us to learn about rip currents and the dangers they can bring. A rip current can be sudden and strong, and this makes it a dangerous thing for anyone, especially children and animals. An easy way to spot a high risk area of the beach is to see what angle the waves are crashing against the shore. Normally, waves will be slightly angled and diagonal, however there are times when they are parallel and this is where you can start to see a problem. Also make sure to look for gaps between waves and ensure you avoid these as much as you can.

Understand Tides

The tides are caused by the moon. As the moon revolves around our earth, it interferes with the electromagnetic field and gravity of the earth. This pulls and push can either bring tids close to the shore or far away in the distance. It is important to know the tide times and ensure that you do not head out into the sea when the tide is coming in, because there is a big risk of you becoming trapped.

Look at the Waves

Waves are one part of the ocean which we can really enjoy on a sunny day. We can use waves for surfing, swimming, or even just to clean sand off our feet. They are great fun, however some can be tall and wide, which can be dangerous for us. It is important for you to think about the way waves are moving and stay alert when in the water to ensure that waves don’t carry you too far out to sea.

Be Aware of Cold Water Shock

When exploring any new place, we need to be aware of the limits of our body. As humans, we have an internal body temperature of 37°C and this needs to be maintained via homeostasis to keep us healthy. When heading into the water, be aware that any water which is below a temperature of 15°C is cold water and can lead to shock. When we are shocked by cold water, we can end up with reduced movement as our muscles constrict as well as difficulty breathing. Make sure that you are aware of this and be careful.

Check Your Fitness

As well as making sure that the conditions of the water and seaside are correct for you, it is important to also think about your fitness level and ensure that you can physically swim and hold yourself in the water. Fitness level and swimming ability is incredibly important and this will make a huge difference to you this year. Make sure that you are fit enough to swim, and if not, perhaps stick to paddling.

Beware of Inflatables

Inflatables can be wonderful and a fun way to play in the water, but you must also be aware that inflatables increase the risk of you being carried away by a strong wind or wave.

How to Call for Help

If you do get caught out in the water it can be a scary time and you may not be aware of what to do. The best thing that you can do for yourself in the water is carry a whistle with you. If you end up far out or carried away, you can blow the whistle to alert people on the beach, who will in turn be able to call for help and save you.

Sun Safety

Follow the 6 Ss of sun safety:

• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Shoulders
• Shade
• Slurp

With all of these safety tips and tricks, you can stay safe in the sea and the sun this summer time!