Posted on May 25, 2010 - 09:21 AM

Tips for a Safe, Fun Day at the Beach!

A Myrtle Beach vacation would not be complete without a trip to the beach and a dip in the great Atlantic Ocean. However, you should exercise caution and keep basic water safety tips in mind when you venture out.

With a little vigilance and planning (and a lot of sunscreen!), your beach vacation will be a fun and safe experience. Here are some things to keep in mind and some helpful tips while you’re at the beach.

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are posted throughout the Myrtle Beach area beaches and are trained to keep you and your family safe in the water. Always swim near an area with a lifeguard on duty.

Heed any warnings from lifeguards or on posted signs near the lifeguard stands. They will alert you to any potential dangers in the water.

Rip currents

Rip currents – or powerful channels of water flowing away from the shore – can form in any water with breaking waves. Often, Myrtle Beach officials will issue warnings when the threat of rip currents is high, but rip currents can form at any time.

If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and follow these steps:

Alert the lifeguard on duty to let him or her know you are in trouble.
Do not try to fight the current. Swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current, and then swim back to shore.
Float or tread water until help arrives if you cannot swim out of the current.

Missing children

In the busy summer months, it can be easy for a child to get lost on the crowded beach. Plan ahead to avoid a moment of panic at the beach:

Dress your child in a bathing suit that will stand out. For girls, use a bright-colored hair bow to make her easier to spot in the water.
Emphasize the buddy system with your children. Make sure siblings or friends stick together when they’re in the ocean or walking along the beach.
Designate a meeting spot if you get separated. Find a landmark or a child locator sign that your child will remember and agree to meet there if needed.
If your child gets lost, do not panic. Ask a lifeguard for assistance, and stay calm.

Sunburn

A severe sunburn can ruin your beach vacation in a hurry, so prevention is key for this beach danger.

Make sure your beach bag is stocked with plenty of sunblock for all the beach-goers in your group, and use it. Even on a cloudy day, you can get a wicked sunburn at the beach!

Here are some things to remember:

Use a high-SPF sunblock on children. The newer spray sunblocks are quick and easy, offer great coverage and usually do not need to be rubbed in. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Reapply sunblock often: to you and the kids. Don’t wait until you notice someone is getting pink before you put it on. It may be too late.
Pay attention to hard-to-reach or easy-to-ignore areas like your back, tops of your feet, ears and even bald heads. Any exposed skin can get burned so protect it!
For babies under age 6 months, talk to your doctor to see if there’s an approved sunblock for your baby. If not, be sure to keep the baby covered with a hat and a UV swimsuit that will block the sun’s rays.
If you get a sunburn, you’re in for some pain and discomfort. An aloe gel can help soothe a minor burn. Try placing it in the refrigerator or cooler for a little extra relief.
If your sunburn is severe or you suspect you have sun poisoning, you may need to see a doctor. Find an urgent care center near your hotel if you need medical attention.

The beach is a great place to relax, unwind and reconnect with friends and family. Plan ahead to avoid any problems while you’re on your vacation.

Stay safe, have fun and tell all your friends about your great Myrtle Beach trip!