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WATER SAFETY PART ONE: THE OCEAN

© Kathleen Newton

(Editor's Note: As summer approaches, we prepare for a season of fun in the sun. For many of us, this includes some sort of water-related activity. Some water safety tips pertain no matter what type of water you're in. However, in the interest of thoroughly covering water safety issues, I'm going to break it into three parts: ocean safety, lake safety, and pool safety. I'm beginning with ocean safety because the beautiful Pacific Ocean is where I find myself most often on these warm and sunny afternoons!)

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of danger associated with the ocean? If you didn't think "shark!" you've obviously never seen "Jaws"! While shark attacks are relatively uncommon, there are certainly many hazards in the ocean that you need to be aware of. This is especially true for those who aren't familiar with ocean rules, such as those on vacation. Swimming in the ocean is much different that swimming in a lake or pool. If you're unaccustomed to the ocean, make it a point to learn everything you can about the area you're in.

There are four basic rules that apply to everyone, no matter where you're swimming:

LEARN TO SWIM: this one is pretty self-explanatory.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS: don't try to keep up with swimmers who are stronger and/or more advanced than you are.

NEVER SWIM ALONE: No matter how strong a swimmer you are, the unexpected can happen. ALWAYS swim with a buddy.

LEARN CPR: Unfortunately, drownings and near-drownings aren't uncommon. Incidentally, a near-drowning is one of the few instances where rescue breathing may be the only emergency action necessary.

As you enjoy your visit to the ocean (be it your first or one-hundred and first), keep the following in mind:

*Swim near a lifeguard. Ocean beaches are often very long, and usually there aren't enough lifeguards to monitor every inch. Should you encounter trouble, you have a much greater chance of being seen if you're near a lifeguard stand.

*Swim close to shore. Dangerous ocean currents, called "ripcurrents", can carry you far away from shore in a matter of seconds, and sometimes without you even realizing it. If you get caught in a ripcurrent, swim parallel to the shore until you are outside the current. Then swim to shore.

*Pay attention to warning signs and flags. Certain conditions (such as a jellyfish surge or high bacteria levels) may affect your safety. Always obey the instructions on the signs or flags.

The copyright of the article WATER SAFETY PART ONE: THE OCEAN in First Aid is owned by Kathleen Newton. Permission to republish WATER SAFETY PART ONE: THE OCEAN in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.