Top 10 Tips for a Safe Beach Day
We want your time spent with us to be safe and happy. That’s why we spend a lot of time sharing with you about beach and ocean safety. We want you to make beautiful memories here to last a lifetime. We know the beach is a big part of your Myrtle Beach vacation. Check out these top 10 tips for a safe beach day.
1. Never swim alone – There are lots of dangers lurking for solo swimmers like jellyfish, sharks and rip currents. It’s best to always bring a buddy with you to the beach. Also don’t swim when the beach is closed. Check the beach flags for information on conditions in the water and never swim if the beach is closed.
2. Swim near a lifeguard – The lifeguards are there to help you if you get into a precarious situation. However, they can’t help you if they can’t see you so always swim near a lifeguard.
3. Know how to break the grip of the rip – Rip tides and rip currents can quickly fatigue even the most experienced swimmer if you don’t know how to escape them. Please see our blog about rip tides to make sure you know how to escape if you get caught in one.
4. Don’t swim after a heavy rain – Heavy rains bring a gush of storm run-off through the storm drains and into the ocean. This is the time when the waters near the beach are the most polluted.
5. Always face the ocean, not the beach – The tides and waves ebb and flow, grow in strength and then come in slow. If you face the beach, you won’t be able to see the waves coming in and you could be caught off guard by a particularly strong wave. Facing the ocean means you’ll see the waves coming in and be able to get to safety if a large wave is coming.
6. Avoid swimming near piers or other structures – Sharks tend to congregate near piers and structures out in the water, especially if those structures are used for fishing. Avoid swimming too close to piers to avoid sharks.
7. Wear sunscreen – The sun is intense and hot at the beach, and you can burn super easily. To avoid a potential severe burn, make sure you wear sunscreen and reapply after swimming. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. We have some great picks on our blog about top sunscreens for the beach.
8. Stay hydrated – Drink more water than you think you need. Dehydration and overheating happen fast when you’re at the beach. Drink plenty of water throughout your time at the beach to stay properly hydrated. Avoid alcohol, which can increase dehydration.
9. Don’t swim or play around storm drains – Never swim near or allow children or pets to play near storm drains. Remember that this is where polluted storm run-off comes from and playing in or around storm drains is always dangerous.
10. No glass at the beach – Remember that glass containers are not allowed at the beach. This is because glass can break and sink into sand, creating a hazard for people and pets. Also be sure to pick up your trash and dispose of it properly. While you’re at it, if you see any other trash on the beach, kindly pick it up on your way to the bin. We can all do our part to keep our beaches clean.
These top 10 tips for a safe beach day will help you have the happiest and safest day possible at the beach. You will be able to build great memories with your family and friends while keeping everyone safe and healthy.