If you and your loved ones want to follow the summer season around the world or just simply have a family vacation at least once a year especially when the weather is right, you also have the responsibility to look out for each other especially when at the beach.
The open waters can act differently in different places. South Florida Health Care Institute in Inverrary Blvd. Lauderhill Florida realizes that the sudden change of the open water currents or what they call as “rip currents” are one of the causes of swimming accidents annually. You have to understand that there are limitations of the body that rip currents can easily manipulate. Hence, you should understand the dangers of rip currents and other possible threats. Try to remember the following:
Take a weather check
Natural weather conditions are out of your control. But you can take a weather check before you go to the beach. Try to see if the weather will be good for swimming because bad weathers can cause fast-moving currents, rapids and waves even in shallow waters. Also, the aquatic life could become underwater obstacles that could potentially impede one’s capability to swim freely.
Check the conditions of the waters before swimming
It is very important that you know if the lifeguard in your area has raised concerns about the conditions of the waters and the beach for potential hazards. In particular seasons, the beach can also be infested with sharks or have been invaded by red tides which are highly dangerous. Also, you should know if there are any present man-made problems related to the beach you are visiting like chemical problems or pollution conditions. This would not be nice to take a dip into.
Stay calm
If you are caught up in rip current or got a cramp while swimming, do not fight the current and stay calm as much as possible. The rush of blood in your veins can worsen the spasms and could make things worse. Try to use other swimming techniques that you have learned for spasms while swimming. Draw attention to yourself either by calling for help or waving if you feel like you cannot make it to the shore. This is why it is very important to be at a lifeguarded beach.
Know the possible sources of danger
Rip currents often exist near jetties and piers. American Red Cross advises that you should stay at least 100 feet away from them because these structures often cause the rip currents. The summer heat could also stress your swimming. You should drink a lot of water or any sports drink while staying active in the heat. Even though you are in the open waters, drinking it is not really an option so you should get hydrated first before beaching out. Take appropriate precautionary measures when visiting a place once you notice potential hazards of the area.
Swim with a friend
Most experts believe that it would be best to swim with a friend or with someone so that you both can look out at each other in the open waters. If you want to dive, dive when it is clear for diving to avoid accidents. Diving areas should be 9 feet deep with no underwater hindrances.
Avoid drinking
People often party and get drunk while at the beach. If you have been drinking, stay inland. It is not safe for you to swim if you are drunk since you can drown yourself while in the waters. This is probably one of the most common causes of swimming accidents. You should practice water safety.
Get trained
CPR and BLS training could provide your loved ones in the beach extra safety. Aside from extra knowledge for work, you could be a good help especially when you visit a beach where there is no lifeguard around. It is better to be prepared than be too late. You would be very helpful in emergencies that often happen quickly and silently. By getting the right training, you could easily know if a swimmer is in distress or is drowning.
In terms of training for life support, call South Florida Health Care Institutein Inverrary Blvd. Lauderhill Florida today for quality training and information!
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