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Tragic water accidents happen quickly. The most common reason for aquatic
mishaps is a lack of safety knowledge. San Diego lifeguards recommend the
following safety tips:
- Learn to swim
- Swim near a lifeguard
- Never swim alone
- Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
- Don't rely on floation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in
the water
- If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don't swim against
the current's pull
- Alcohol and swimming don't mix
- Protect your head, neck, and spine -- don't dive into unfamiliar waters
-- feet first, first time
- If you are in trouble, call or wave for help
- Follow regulations and lifeguard directions
- Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances
- Scuba dive only if trained and certified -- and within the limits of
your training
- No glass containers at the beach -- broken glass and bare feet don't
mix
- No beach fires except in designated areas -- fire residue and superheated
sand can severely burn bare feet -- use a barbeque that is elevated off
the sand
- Report hazardous conditions to lifeguards or other beach management
personnel
- Stay clear of coastal bluffs, they can collapse and cause injury
- Never turn your back to the ocean -- you may be swept off coastal bluffs
or tide pool areas and into the water by waves that can come without warning
Rip Currents
Rip currents are the most threatening natural hazard along our coast. They
pull victims away from the beach. The United
States Lifesaving Association has found that 80% of the rescues effected
by ocean lifeguards involve saving those caught in rip currents.
A rip current is a seaward moving current that circulates water back
to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Each wave accumulates water
on shore creating seaward pressure. This pressure is released in an area
with the least amount of resistance which is usually the deepest point
along the ocean floor. Rip currents also exist in areas where the strength
of the waves are weakened by objects such as rock jetties, piers, natural
reefs, and even large groups of bathers. Rip currents often look like muddy
rivers flowing away from shore.
Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called "rip tides" or
"undertows." These are misnomers. Rip currents are not directly
associated with tides and they do not pull people under.
Try to avoid swimming where rip currents are present, but if you become
caught in a one, swim parallel to the shore until the pull stops and then
swim back to shore. If you are unable to return to the beach, tread water
and wave for lifeguard assistance.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Rip currents often
exist along the side of fixed objects in the water.
Be aware of ocean conditions. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential
hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water.
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