7 Spring Break Dangers to Watch for at the Beach

Here are seven hazards that can put a damper on a beach getaway.

1. The Sun's Rays Can Be Damaging

On average, more people die from heat than any other weather conditions in the United States each year. In an average year, 130 fatalities are related to heat.

Extreme heat should be taken seriously by everyone. Typically, the first signs of heat illness are increased sweating and muscle cramps. If the person is not able to receive treatment, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can result, possibly leading to death.

(MORE: Four Things Extreme Heat Does To Your Body)

It is also important to consider the heat index and not just the air temperature. The heat index factors in relative humidity, which gives a better idea of what it actually feels like to your body.

A common concern on beach days is sunburn and overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Too much UV radiation can lead to a sunburn and, if severe enough, can become a first or second-degree burn. In the long term, there is an increased risk of skin cancer.

(MORE: The UV Index: How Much Is Your Skin In Danger?)

To minimize your risk of heat illnesses and skin damage:

• Limit exposure to the sun during the middle of the day – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and apply 30 minutes before exposure. Remember to reapply every two hours.
• Wear protective, lightweight and light-colored clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Drink more water than usual.

2. Take Lightning Seriously

It's not a good idea to be at the beach when lightning is in the area. The safest places to be during a thunderstorm are inside a building or a hard-topped vehicle.

When lightning is spotted, you need to get to a safe place as quickly as possible and remain there until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder is heard before going back to the beach.

A study by the National Weather Service looked at lightning deaths from 2006-2014. It concluded 64 percent of deaths from lightning happened during leisure activities. The chart above breaks down those leisure activities, with 37 percent being water-related.

(MORE: Lightning Deaths Predominantly A Guy Thing and Peak During Summer Months)

To avoid possible injury or death, it is important to pay attention to the forecast and to have a plan if a thunderstorm develops while you are at the beach.

3. Keep An Eye Out For Water Creatures

If you venture into the water, it is important to look out for dangerous animals such as sharks and jellyfish.

Shark attacks are rare and typically occur near sandbars and areas where their food sources tend to gather, like steep dropoffs. To minimize the risk of being bitten, stay in groups, don't go in the ocean if you are bleeding and don't wear bright colors or shiny jewelry.

Most jellyfish stings are not serious and result in pain, fever, rashes and muscle cramps, but some jellyfish have poisonous venom that can result in serious harm or death.

(MORE: Thousands of Blue Blubber Jellyfish Invade a Beach in Queensland, Australia)

If you are stung, do not thrash around and seek first aid. Ice can help to relieve the pain, and if you have an allergic reaction, see a doctor.

4. Water Quality and Algal Blooms Can Be Harmful

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), also known as red tides, can cause illness and are occasionally fatal. HABs occur when algae colonies grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, marine mammals and birds, according to NOAA.

This occurrence often turns the water red, hence the term. The toxins that are released may also make the air difficult to breathe.

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Not all algal blooms are hazardous, but when toxins are present, people can get sick from swimming or eating contaminated fish.

Water can also be unsafe due to contaminated water flowing from land to the coast. Contaminants can come from sewage, fertilizers and chemical spills.

Illness can result from the high levels of bacteria in the water and chemicals present.

5. Heed Rip Currents and High Surf Warnings

One of the most common concerns at the beach, at least for those who enter the water, are rip currents. A rip current is a strong but narrow current that flows away from shore. Rip currents result in more than 30,000 rescues per year in the U.S.

Significant rip currents are more likely when a strong onshore wind is present. A rip current may appear darker than surrounding waters and are areas where waves do not break.

If you become caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and back to land at an angle. If you cannot swim out of it, float or calmly tread water until you are out of the rip current. You can also wave your arms and yell for help to attract attention.

(MORE: Dangerous Rip Currents and How To Stay Safe At The Beach)

High surf can also be dangerous, as large waves can catch beachgoers off guard, so be sure never to turn your back on the ocean. Dangerous swimming conditions are also usually present when high surf is observed.

6. Boating Can Pose Additional Risks

If you decide to head out on a boat, additional concerns can arise. The weather can be very different a few miles from the beach, so rapid changes can create challenges. Unexpected changes in wave conditions can also cause problems.

Thunderstorms can develop quickly, so be sure to pay attention to developing weather conditions.

Waterspouts – tornadoes that develop over water – are an additional concern. They can be associated with severe thunderstorms, but they can also occur in fair weather, the latter of which develops near the surface and grows upward. Fair-weather waterspouts also typically stay over water and move fairly slow, while those associated with thunderstorms can move onshore.

Be sure the boat is functioning properly and everyone onboard wears a life jacket. Avoid alcohol, as it impairs judgment and reduces reaction time, and these effects can be exaggerated due to sun exposure and heat.

7. Don't Forget About Tsunamis

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves generated by a rapid and large disturbance in the ocean. The most common way they form is from earthquakes, but landslides or even a meteor can cause a tsunami.

When the waves come ashore, they typically increase in size and can be very destructive.

Tsunamis are most likely after a powerful earthquake and there are some gauges that provide indications of a possible event. Tsunamis cannot be prevented, so it is important to know where to go if one does occur and to evacuate quickly if instructed to do so.

One last thing to keep in mind: if you are heading to the coast in the summer, as opposed to spring break, there may be additional concerns. The Atlantic Basin hurricane season begins June 1 and goes through Nov. 30, so be sure to pay attention to the forecast, as it can take a quick turn.

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