With summertime quickly approaching, we here at BocaNews know that beach time is probably at the top of the list for many in the area. With that being said, I compiled a list of the “5 S’s” to help beachgoers remember some of the key safety strategies while soaking up the sun!
1. Sunscreen
If you were raised in Florida or are a frequent visitor during the summer months, you know just how hot it can get. But heat doesn’t necessarily mean the sun is producing more UV rays. Now, with technological advances many weather stations are able to keep track of the UV index or ultraviolet index. This index helps to serve as a meter of how powerful the rays are that can cause anything from a very uncomfortable sunburn to skin cancer. Even in overcast or cloudy weather, you can still be on the receiving end of some strong UV ray. With this being said make sure to bring the sunscreen for you and your loved ones. We all love to have that beautiful shade of tan, but not at the expense of your health!
2. Sight:
If you are bringing your children to the beach, remember to keep them within your sight. Weather conditions have been known to change in a second’s notice here in Florida, making the surf grow pretty quickly—make sure you have an eye on your loved ones at all times! Also, keep an eye on your belongings. Keep all valuables at home if at all possible and all cell phones and wallets tucked away in a safe place before leaving your area!
3. Surf:
Boca Raton is known for its placid like conditions for most days spent on the beach. I mean, even the water falls under being the laziest in the country! But with summer storms quickly approaching, rip currents and strong ocean currents can be extremely dangerous! Rip currents are very easy to identify if you know what you are looking for! If you or a loved one are ever caught in a rip current, be sure to swim parallel to the shoreline, and not to fight the current!Boca Raton is known for its placid like conditions for most days spent on the beach. I mean, even the water falls under being the laziest in the country! But with summer storms quickly approaching, rip currents and strong ocean currents can be extremely dangerous! Rip currents are very easy to identify if you know what you are looking for! If you or a loved one are ever caught in a rip current, be sure to swim parallel to the shoreline, and not to fight the current!
4. Shade:
Even under cloud cover it can become extremely hot very quickly. While beach umbrellas serve as a very good source of shade, be sure to take breaks intermittently if you are on the beach for the long haul. Many beaches offer shady areas under gazebos or in parks outside of the beach area. If you or a loved one are feeling faint, or overheated, be sure to take breaks in the shade! Also, remember your sunglasses! Your eyes need shade too!
5. Safety:
Emergency situations can happen at any time, and while many lifeguard towers are well equipped with first aid kits and access to life-saving tools, lifeguards aren’t always on duty! So what do we mean by safety…? Pack a personalized first aid kit. What could this include?
1. Epipen: You never know what someone is allergic to until they react!
2. Ice pack: For bumps, bruises and bites, have a squeezable ice pack to help reduce discomfort
3. Emergency eye wash: Whether it’s sand or something else, eye wash can help flush unwanted abrasive materials out of eyes
4: Wound wash: Whether it’s a slip on a sea shell (say that five times fast!) or something worse, wound care wash can help stop the sting and spread of infection.
5. Band-aids and Neosporin: Waterproof bandaids and Neosporin can be used for just about anything and you never know when you might need them!
Remember, Boca Raton may be “the laziest city in the country” but we also want to be the safest. From one beach lover to another: Have fun out there!
[…] objects such as jewelry may seem like scales. While on the beach as we said last week in our 5 S’s of Beach Safety, leave all your valuables at […]