Keeping Safety at the Top of your Checklist!

If you plan on jumping in the ocean, keep safety at the top of your checklist.  Ensuring that you return home healthy and happy is worth a little extra thought.  The best start for any ocean-goer is to talk to the lifeguards and only go where there are lifeguards.

Follow all safety signs posted by lifeguards.  The most common signs are:

High Surf  -  Big waves = stay out of the water.

Waves Break on Ledge - Strong waves can suddenly wash you off rocks or piers.  If the area is wet, definitely stay off!

Dangerous Shore Break - Waves breaking directly on the shore cause danger for people both in and out of the water.  If there is a heavy shore break, stay away!

Strong Current - Ocean water moves very quickly, and it will take you with it!  Beaches have their own current patterns.  The feeling of being swept out is scary and unnatural - but don't fight it.  Focus on your breathing, conserving energy and staying afloat.  Try to swim parallel to the shore, out of the current, and then towards the shore.  If in need, calmly waive for help.

Sharp Coral - Coral is very sharp, strong and unforgiving.  It's best to never touch coral.  If you experience coral-related injuries, see the lifeguards.

Sudden Drop-off - Holes, shelves and drop-off points create dangerous conditions.  Stay close to the shore and with groups.

Slippery Rocks - Shore rock is often naturally very slippery.

Man-o-war & Jellyfish - Lots of pain and sometimes serious reactions occur.  Stay out of the water if you see signs.  If you think you have come into contact with a Man-o-war or jellyfish, see the lifeguards.

S*O*A*K

Lifeguards and warning signs aren't your only lines of defense.  Personal readiness and awareness are your other key companions.  A good way to improve your readiness is by understanding the acronym "SOAK".

Study the area - Stand on the beach or high point and look all around you.  Know where you are entering the ocean, and have two or three exit points planned.  As conditions and tides change, where you entered may no longer be safe to exit.

Observe ocean conditions for at least 30 minutes - this is a good time to stretch and relax.  Watch the waves for a while to see how big the sets are.  Try to understand the currents and channels.

Ask questions - Ask the lifeguards and other local swimmers & surfers about conditions.

Know your limits - Don't put yourself and others in danger by going out in conditions past your abilities.  Strong athletic skills don't always carry over to ocean sports.  If you can't swim, don't rely on a raft or other floating device to keep you afloat, and don't float past your own abilities to get back to shore.  If you can't swim, stay at the hotel pool, in the shallow end.

Some Other Tips to Keep you Safe

Drink plenty of water and don't mix alcohol consumption with ocean activities.

Wear good sunscreen and use a rash guard or other clothing to protect from the sun.

Check the complete weather forecast before entering the ocean.

Don't always trust the recommendations by other visitors.  What was fun for one might not be suitable for another, especially with how ocean conditions can change so dramatically so quickly.

Don';t trust just any person willing to hand you ocean gear from some cash.  Know where you are going, and ask if there are lifeguards.

Never leave children unattended near the ocean.

Use extra caution when snorkeling.  Know where you are going, have a plan and don't get adventurous.  Become comfortable with your gear before getting in the water.  Avoid breaking waves and shallow rocks & coral.

If you see someone in need, do whatever it takes to raise the attention of the lifeguards and others before attempting a rescue.  By trying to help others in danger, you are putting yourself at risk.  Allow trained professionals to attend to emergencies.  If faced with an incident, use your best judgment.

Experienced surfers and swimmers make riding big waves and maneuvering through the ocean look easy.  Don't be fooled.

If not controlled properly, your surfboard can cause injuries to both you and other victims around.  Nose guards, tail guards and soft fins are highly recommended.  'Soft' surfboards are available.

If you can, go with an experienced person, and never go alone.

Most surf spots are dangerous for beginners.  Ask your instructor or the lifeguards about surfing conditions and what surf breaks are best for beginners.

Ocean conditions change quickly - potentially resulting in a very dangerous situation.

Swim or surf only where there are lifeguards.  Just because there are lifeguards, it doesn't mean it is safe to go out.  And just because there are no signs posted, it doesn't mean you are ready to go in the ocean.

If you are the only person surfing a certain area, it is probably unsafe for surfing.

When in doubt, don't go out!  This is a motto to live by.