Each year, millions of Americans head to the beach for fun in the sun, sand and water. Swimming and other beach-related activities can be a great way to get exercise. But the beach can present many dangers, such as injuries, drowning and water-borne illnesses. Therefore, you need to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones from these potential risks.
Here are a few tips to keep your day at the beach safe and enjoyable.
- Check the weather before you go to the beach. Be alert for changing conditions. If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water immediately.
- Check health warnings and closures before you go in the water. Don’t swim after heavy rain since the water is more likely to be polluted. Pollution, bacteria and other micro-organisms in the water can cause mild to serious illnesses. Also, try not to get water in your mouth while swimming.
- Read all posted warnings, especially about rip currents. Learn the meanings of colored beach flags. Obey all warnings.
- Know how to swim in a rip current (water that pulls you away from the shore). If you’re caught in a rip current, swim along the shoreline until you’re out of the current. Then swim to shore.
- Take swim lessons if you don’t know how to swim before getting into the water. Understand the swimming at the beach is different than a pool.
Swim only in designated swimming areas – preferably near a lifeguard.- Never swim alone; always have a buddy with you.
- Swim parallel to the shore instead of swimming away from the shore. Otherwise, you may get too tired to swim back.
- Don’t use water wings and other floating toys in place of life jackets, especially with children.
- Don’t swim near piers or breakwaters since the currents may be strong.
- Stay away from boats since they may not see you.
- Be aware that open water is colder, so don’t swim out too far.
- Don’t dive or jump in unknown areas, especially from cliffs, piers, jetties or bridges. The water may be too shallow, or there may be underwater rocks and other dangers.
- Watch children carefully when they’re near or in the water – don’t read or talk on your cell phone.
- Don’t drink alcohol if you’re swimming or watching children.
- Take your cell phone to the beach to use in case of emergency, especially if a lifeguard isn’t present.
- Wear shoes to protect your feet from hot sand and other surfaces; puncture wounds and cuts from sea shells, broken glass and other objects; and potential stings from jellyfish washed up on the shore.
- Be aware that walking, jogging and playing sports on sand may lead to arch pain, heel pain, ankle sprains and other injuries. For proper arch and heel support, wear athletic shoes, instead of flip-flops and sandals. If you suffer from any foot conditions and pain, consider wearing custom orthotics, like ezWalker® Performance Insoles, in your shoes to protect and support your feet.
Keep Your Feet Comfortable This Summer
ezWalker® Performance Insoles are custom made to each of your feet – ensuring you receive the exact support each foot needs. Every step you take will be biomechanically correct – providing you with comfort and pain relief. Since these insoles are ultra thin and ¾ in length, they easily fit into any type of footwear. You can even wear them in sandals with the use of a piece of Velcro®.
So don’t let foot pain ruin your day at the beach, order your ezWalker® Performance Insoles today.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.
