BEACH SAFETY REMINDER:
The Sea Isle City Beach Patrol wants everyone to have an
enjoyable time on the sand - but they care more about everyone's safety. Here
are several important reminders from SICBP Captain Renny Steele and his team of
lifeguards...
--LIFEGUARDS: Always pay attention
when a lifeguard whistle is blown, and swim directly in front of the lifeguard
stand. Guards are aware of ocean hazards such as rip currents, inshore holes,
and lateral currents. This awareness enables guards to keep bathers away from
these hazards and safe.
--STAY OFF JETTIES: Do not play around or
climb on rock jetties or groins. Fish hooks and broken glass often collect
around groins and jetties.
--SUN PROTECTION: Periodically apply sun
block whenever on the beach.
--SEAGULLS: Do not feed the seagulls;
occasionally they bite.
--LIGHTNING: Follow the 30 / 30 rule
during an electric storm. Leave the beach and seek safe shelter when less than
30 seconds occurs between the sighting of lighting and the hearing of thunder
(flash to bang count). Do not return to the beach until 30 minutes has passed
after your last flash to bang count. If you are caught in an electrical storm
and cannot find safe shelter, avoid being the highest object in the surrounding
area.
--DIGGING IN THE SAND: Never dig parallel to
the sand's surface (a tunnel). Eventually the tunnel will collapse and
suffocate anyone inside the tunnel. The sides of a hole dug in sand can also
collapse. Dig holes only to a waist deep depth. If more than one person is in
the hole, the depth should be waist deep of the shortest person in the hole.
--CHILD SAFETY: When you arrive at the
beach, walk small children to the lifeguard stand and instruct them to go to
the stand whenever they are lost. Special needs children should be introduced
to the lifeguards.
--UMBRELLAS & WIND: Make sure beach umbrellas
are anchored securely in the sand. Do not use an umbrella when high winds could
possibly carry the umbrella down the beach and injure beach goers.
--WALK IN THE SAND: Protect feet with foot
wear when the sand is extremely hot; especially young children whose feet are
tender and not callused. Small children's feet can actually be burnt to the
point of blistering.
--HYDRATE: Remain properly
hydrated whenever on the beach. This safety tip is of heightened importance if
you consumed alcohol or coffee within the last twelve hours.
