RED FLAG means Dangerous Surf – No Swimming! Don’t enter the water if you can’t swim. Ask Beach Attendant about any dangers in the water or on the beach, especially if the red flag is flying. Be aware of direction and strength of currents. Currents can take you up and down the beach quickly and cause you or your children to become lost. Don’t let your kids swim unsupervised, even in guarded areas. Don’t swim alone. Use the buddy system so that someone always knows where you are so they can get help if needed. Don’t overestimate your swimming ability. Stay in chest deep water or less to insure you don’t get stuck in water over your head. Don’t rely on flotation devices. Swim parallel to shore if you want to swim long distances. Don’t swim against the current. Swim across the current to escape the pull. Always swim sober. Don’t dive into unknown water or shallow breaking waves. Always go feet first. This will help you avoid injuries. Apply plenty of sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day. Remember trouble spots such as ears, feet and nose. Even cloudy days allow the sun’s harmful rays to cause sunburn. Wear sunglasses. The sun’s rays can cause serious eye damage. Drink plenty of water. The hot summer days dehydrate you very quickly. Be aware of the rules and regulations of the beach. Signs are posted near most beach accesses. Don’t leave your children unsupervised, even in guarded areas. They may wander and become lost. Find the Beach Attendant if you or someone in your group becomes lost. Report any hazardous beach conditions to the nearest Beach Attendant. Know the name of the beach where you are for the day or the name of the hotel or condominium where you are staying so the attendant can better assist if you are lost. There are often jelly fish and sting rays as well as other sea creatures in the water which may sting or cut a person. Other problems may occur on the beach or in the water which may require first aid. In any situation where first aid is needed, find a Beach Attendant or seek further medical attention. Report hazardous water condition to the nearest Beach Attendant. Call for help if you are in trouble.   contact@thesuncoastdifference.com