Safety and Preparedness

Stay Safe On Spring Break With These Safety Tips

Even the strongest swimmers can get into trouble in the water. These safety tips will help spring breakers avoid some common mistakes during their beach vacation.

Spring Break: Don’t Forget These Safety Tips

Spring break is a time for fun and relaxation, but it's important to remember how to stay safe when you're enjoying the beach. You’ll want to keep the weather in mind when swimming this spring break and also take note of your surroundings to be sure you’re in a safe place for swimming. Even the best swimmers can encounter danger in the ocean.

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe this spring break:

Check your weather app. Even if the weather at the beach seems perfectly sunny, weather far from shore can affect water currents near the beach, the National Weather Service warns. Check the weather before you start to swim.

Keep a lookout for beach warning signs or flags. These are often posted near the lifeguard stand. If you can’t find a posted status on the water’s safety, ask a lifeguard for an update. If red flags are posted, you’ll want to stay out of the water. This means the water is too dangerous for swimming.

|

Weather in your inbox

Email

Forecast Location

By signing up you agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe at any time.

(MORE: 7 Spring Break Dangers to Watch for at the Beach)

Only swim in designated areas. Be sure that a lifeguard is on duty before entering the water. Lifeguards are trained to spot and respond to emergencies, and they can help you if you get into trouble. Be sure you’re swimming within sight of one so that they can spot you if you need help. When the lifeguards retire for the evening, all swimmers should as well. Never swim in a body of water marked “closed” or one that warns against swimming there.

Take a buddy. Never swim alone, even if you're a strong swimmer. If something unexpected occurs, a swim partner can alert a lifeguard and or call emergency services. Remember, there's safety in numbers.

Avoid alcohol while swimming. Alcohol reduces inhibitions and impairs judgment, which can make any activity more dangerous, including swimming. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 31% of drownings involve blood alcohol concentrations of 0.10% or higher. Save the margaritas for after your swim.

Don’t forget the sunscreen. Nothing can ruin a vacation like a bad sunburn. Be sure to apply sunscreen as soon as you get to the beach and reapply often. It’s best to invest in a sunscreen that is reef-safe, without ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, which is mandated by some beach destinations.

(MORE: The Ultimate Weather-Wise Packing List)

Give marine life some space. Be respectful of marine life in the area. Avoid touching or disturbing any animals you see while swimming or on the beach. Be aware of any local marine animals that can be dangerous, such as sharks, jellyfish and stingrays.