Safety Tips While On Vacation in Myrtle Beach
Residents of Myrtle Beach constantly witness vacationers suffer needless injuries and accidents. The last thing you want to deal with on vacation is a trip to the emergency room. Our beaches and marshlands are also filled with wildlife, and keeping those sacred places clean and unlittered is also important for the safety of the ecosystem and your wallet, as fines for littering are hefty. We have put together a compliation of safety tips that can help make your vacation easier and more enjoyable.
1. Always swim near a lifeguard.
2. Never leave kids unsupervised! All it takes is a second and they can wander off or wade into deep water very quickly. Many people come here and under estimate the power of the ocean. Also, avoid the swimsuits with inner tubes built into bathing suits on small children when swimming in the ocean, as they can easily get turned upside down in even the shallowest water.
3. Don’t take valuables to the beach with you. Secure them in your vacation rental home before coming to the beach. Do not leave money, phones or other items unattended or lying on your beach towel or golf car.
4. Dispose of trash in the proper receptacles. Cigarette butts, as small as they are, can wreak havoc on unsuspecting marine life who may accidently ingest them. In addition, fines for littering are hefty.
5. Stay off the dunes. They are there to help prevent flooding and beach erosion and are held together by very fragile plant life. Please use the paths adjacent to the sand dunes to gain access to the beach.
6. Possibly the greatest safety measure you can take is to educate yourself and your family on the dangers of rip currents. Rip currents occur when a strong channel of water runs from the beach back out into the ocean. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, don’t panic! Ride it out gently, and then swim parallel to shore and back in to safety. The easiest way to spot a rip current from shore, is to notice a flat water surface in between two areas of waves coming in.
7. ALWAYS wear sunscreen. Regular application of sunscreen protects against painful sunburn and sun damage. Reapply after swimming and always bring along a hat and UV-protected sunglasses. Nothing can ruin a vacation like wanting a tan, but getting burned to a crisp on the first day, so avoid that by wearing sunscreen.
8. Dehydration is a real threat that can sneak up on you in the summer sun. If you’re planning on being in the sun, drink at least two cups of water an hour. Be mindful of alcohol consumption, which can also dehydrate and is dangerous if you plan on swimming in the ocean.
9. Pay attention to weather reports before heading out to the beach. Myrtle Beach in the summer is prone to pop-up afternoon thunderstorms. Lightning can be a real danger to people swimming in the ocean or laying on the beach. If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water and off of the beach until the storm passes.
10. Avoid Jelly fish stings and man-o-war injuries. The best way to avoid jellyfish stings is by being aware of your surroundings. Jellyfish have clear bodies with tentacles that can sting hanging below. If you see a jellyfish, get out of the water and alert others. Dead jellyfish found on shore should also be avoided as they can still sting. If you are stung, treat the area immediately with vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Lifeguards should be able to help treat a jellyfish sting. Also, topping the sting with wet sand can help until you are able to receive first aid.
