The summer season has officially arrived! To protect yourself and your loved ones the Adopt A Highway Maintenance Corporation® and Adopt A Beach teams have created this list of 10 Essential Summer Safety Tips.
- Wear Sunscreen
Did you know sunscreen guards your skin by absorbing the harmful UVB and UVA rays emitted by the sun? Protect yourself, and your kids, with SPF 30 or higher, reapply every 2 hours and remember the more the better! - Prevent Drowning
According to the World Health Organization drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death. Always make sure your kids are within arm’s reach when around water, especially the ocean! - Pick a Place Near a Lifeguard
They’re there to protect, so make sure to choose a hangout spot near a lifeguard for extra safety! Statistics show areas that are lifeguard protected report lowering aquatic injury and drowning rates than unmanned areas. - Avoid Red Flags
Red flags are there to warn of dangerous conditions- even the strongest swimmers should proceed with extreme caution. Beware of high surf and strong currents. Most beach-goers should avoid swimming if a red flag is present; it’s not worth the risk! - Swim with a Friend
Water emergencies are unexpected and can leave you unable to call for help. Always swim with a friend and never let young children go in the ocean alone, currents can be strong enough to drift them away from parents! - Treat Stingrays and Jellyfish Stings
Most beaches will display a purple flag if known marine life is present, and jellyfish and stingrays love to hangout on flat beaches, close to the coastline. Stings can be treated with vinegar, found in lifeguard towers, or urine. Don’t forget to remove the jellyfish stinger and then soak the area in hot water for 20-30 minutes. - Keep it Clean
Beach picnics are great, but always make sure to clean up after yourself. Beach litter, especially plastic and cigarettes can have very harmful effects on sea life. It takes about 450 years for a plastic bottle to break down in the ocean. If you’re hanging out at an AAB beach, look for our sponsored beach barrels to dispose of your litter! - Don’t Turn Your Back to the Waves
Studies have found the most serious beach injuries occur at the shoreline. Big waves can come unexpectedly and those who turn their backs to the waves are more susceptible to being knocked down by the surf. Always watch the waves when entering and exiting the ocean! - Stay Hydrated
The CDC states that if you are thirsty, this is already a sign of dehydration. You should drink water before you even feel thirsty! Beach days can get especially hot. Avoid heatstroke and sun sickness by drinking lots of water- about two to four glasses per hour. - Don’t Swim Near Boats
Boats can reach average speeds of 80 knots (150mph), and when anchored motors can still be dangerous to swimmers. Avoid swimming too close to boats or in areas where numerous boats are anchored and always stay vigilant!