Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach this Summer

Summer is in full swing, and Florida beaches are busy. To help ensure you finish off your summer vacation safely while still having fun, we have compiled a few tips for staying safe at Ft Myers and other Florida beaches this summer.

Watch for Motorcycles

No matter where you are in Florida, you will run into your fair share of traffic, which also means an abundance of motorcycles. Before making any turns at an intersection, make sure the coast is clear. Motorcycles have been known to creep up on people and can easily be overlooked if you aren't careful. So, while you may be excited to turn into the beach parking lot area in Ft Myers, slow down, take your time, and get there safely.

Thunderstorms

Summer in SW Florida means frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Weather-related accidents happen all too often especially when drivers do not respect the dangers of lots of water on the road and limited visibility. Drivers not slowing down to account for water on the road run the risk of hydroplaning, and during severe thunderstorms, visibility can be just a few car lengths ahead. Drivers should slow down, or in extreme storms even pull off the road and wait for the storm to blow over. Aside from the heavy rain, lightning injures and kills dozens around the USA every year. If a thunderstorm is nearby during your summer outdoor activities, get inside.

Fun on the Water

Boating is another fun summer activity you will find across Florida beaches. If you have a boating outing planned, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safer trip for everyone. First, always keep track of the weather. If there are storms on the horizon, you might want to consider planning your boating trip for another time when the weather is better.

Everyone on the boat should also have life jackets and know the rules of the sea. Florida actually leads the nation in recreational boat accidents each year, so everyone must understand basic boating safety.

Cookout Safety

What beach or summer trip is complete without a cookout? But, before you enjoy this summer activity, make sure that you know how to BBQ safely. All grills should be kept and used outdoors. Before using the grill, make sure it is in good condition, and there are no leaks or other damage that can potentially cause a fire. Did you know that more than 7,000 people are injured using a BBQ grill each year in the US?

Swimming Safety

Who doesn’t want to take a dip in the ocean to cool off on a hot summer day in Florida? Before getting into the water, make sure you take a look at your surroundings. Is there a lifeguard on duty close by? Rip currents are something else to think about when visiting Ft Myers beaches. If you have small children and those who may not know how to swim, you want to keep a watchful eye on them, even if they aren't in the water.

Learn About the Warning Flags

Before hitting the beach, you also want to be aware of the different warning flags you may encounter. Knowing what to expect and interpreting these warning flags can help you avoid personal injury on your trip. For example, red flags at the beach often indicate there is strong surf and currents. Some beaches have red flags when the beach is closed.

A yellow flag often means that there are moderate currents. This means the water might be rougher than usual and may become exceedingly dangerous. You will want to exercise extreme caution in this case and stay close to a lifeguard tower.

Blue or purple flags mean there may be potentially dangerous marine life in the area, such as jellyfish and sharks. Again, use caution. Not all beaches are the same, so you want to know the rules before choosing which beach to visit.

Stay Sober

Finally, to stay safe, you want to remain sober. Alcohol affects judgment and decision-making, can dehydrate you, and can also increase the likelihood of experiencing a heat-related sickness. Instead, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and find other ways to have a fun and enjoyable time at the beach.

If you follow these beach safety tips, you can minimize your risk of personal injury and have a memorable and fun summer vacation on your favorite Ft Myers beaches.