Water Safety

Sea Safety

The ocean is a beautiful and majestic body of water that is enjoyed by millions of people all over the world, but it can also be very dangerous. Visitors to the sea should always take precautions and plan ahead for safety.

Swimming in the ocean

Every year people relax and cool off in the sea, but unfortunately many of them do so without knowing how to swim. No one should ever enter any large body of water if they do not have basic swimming knowledge. Check your local community for a course that teaches this vital survival skill.

When you get into the sea, there are several essential safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never swim alone. Always have at least one person with you so you can help each other out if anything goes wrong.
• Avoid standing with your back to incoming waves. An unexpected wave can easily knock you down and take you under the water, so you must pay attention to the sea at all times.
• While it may seem fun to dive into the waves when standing in shallow water, it is very dangerous. You can easily hit your head on the ground or get swept away by a powerful wave.
• The ocean is full of strong currents. No swimmer is able to go against it, so if you are caught in a current swim across it, with the waves, until you are out. Each year people are swept out to deep sea after being caught in currents.
• Know your own strength and don't swim out too far, you will need enough energy to swim back from wherever you go. Those who want to swim long distances should remain in shallow water and swim parallel to the shore so they are never far from land.
• If someone is in trouble in the water, don't swim out to them as they will likely be panicking and difficult to handle. Toss them something that they can grab on to, and pull them to safety.
• The ocean is home to a wide variety of animals, and while it is exciting to see them, they can be dangerous and should be left alone. Look, but don't touch.

Boating on the ocean

People take boats out for a variety of reasons: leisure time, fishing, diving. Anyone who goes boating should follow these safety guidelines:

• Learn basic seamanship, how to handle a boat, and the rules of boating by taking a class before ever setting out to sea. Never ride in a boat that is captained by someone with no experience or training.
• Thoroughly check your boat and safety equipment every time you take a trip to make sure it is all in good condition.
• Everyone on board must wear a life vest at all times. Accidents can happen quickly and without warning, and they may not leave you with time to find and secure your vest. Purchase vests that have been certified by the US Coast Guard.
• Bring extra fuel, tools for basic repairs, night and day flares, a working radio so you can send an SOS in case of emergency, and plenty of food and water. These should be standard for every journey.
• Make sure your anchor is strong enough for your boat. It is possible to add extra lengths of chains to the anchor to give it more power.
• Tell friends and family when and where you are going, and when you intend to return. Notify them if your plans change, so they will know exactly when you should be back, and can contact the coast guard if you are missing.

Planning ahead

When you go to the ocean for any reason, there are a few things that should be done first:

• Check the weather forecast to find out if conditions will be suitable for your trip.
• Always take sun screen, a phone or radio for emergency calls and a well stocked first aid kit.
• Most importantly, do not drink when you visit the sea. Statistics show that the vast majority of injuries and fatalities in the water are caused by the use of alcohol. Save the drinks for when you are back on land.

When you visit the ocean, always remember that it is a powerful body of water. Be respectful and cautious, and get home safe.