Summer Beach Safety

HAZARDS IN THE WATER

Structures

Piers and jetties are frequently the site of dangerous rip currents. Side currents can sweep swimmers into pilings or rocks covered with razor-sharp barnacles or mussels.

Rip currents

Powerful, choppy, river-like currents moving seaward, often following underwater channels. Rips don’t pull swimmers under. To get out of a rip, swim at a sharp angle to shore.

Summer swells

Southern Hemisphere swells hit beaches at an angle, creating strong side currents that can carry swimmers a great distance. Note the lifeguard tower number where you enter the water.

Bodyboarding

Don’t paddle out farther than you can swim. Wear a swimsuit, never heavy cutoffs or long pants. Use a leash and fins. When bodysurfing, always keep hands out in front to avoid head and neck injuries.

Uneven bottom

Never dive into the water head first. Wave action constantly rearranges the bottom, creating sandbars and holes. Beware of submerged rocks.

ON THE SHORE

Jellyfish

Even a dead jellyfish can sting. If stung, see the lifeguard for treatment.

Tide pools

Check with lifeguards on surf conditions and tides. High surf and incoming tides can sweep you off the rocks.

Stingrays

Bury themselves in the sand where water is shallow. Shuffle your feet to scare them. If stung, seek medical attention.

Fire rings

Coals in pits can smolder for hours.

Digging

Trenches and tunnels dug in the wet sand can collapse.

Sun

UV rays and heat can lead to sunburn, heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Use sunscreen, hats, umbrellas and drink lots of fluid.

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Lifeguards

Provide first aid and advice on ocean conditions.

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Warning flags

Green means good conditions, yellow means caution and red indicates dangerous surf. The black ball flag signifies beach is off limits to board surfing.

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For more information:

California Surf Lifesaving Association’s

Web site at www.cslsa.org

and Hoag Hospital’s Project Wipeout at www.hoag.org/ProjectWipout/ProjectWipeout.html

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Graphics reporting by WILLIAM LOBDELL and PAUL DUGINSKI / Los Angeles Times