Heading To The Beach? Remember These Safety Tips

A release from Stoneham Safety Officer Joseph Ponzo:

Going to the beach is a common extracurricular activity that is enjoyed by many but there are some safety tips that should be adhered to when swimming at the beach.

People should never swim while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. Cramping is a common occurrence when people swim and alcohol can increase the chances of cramping which could result in drowning. Always have your child wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket if they are not good swimmers. Never dive head first and walk carefully into open waters. Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current and do not panic. Once free, you should then swim to the shore.

Always wear proper sun protection from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this is when the sun is the strongest.
Always wear protection of at least 15 or higher to protect your skin. Drink plenty of water to avoid
dehydration and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that will absorb 100 percent of UV Sunlight.

By keeping these few tips in mind, it will help us all enjoy the summer and the summer holidays with our friends and family.

Remember Safety First!