Be beach safe this Easter
A day of fun at the beach can quickly turn into a tragedy.
Should the weather permit, many people will be flocking to the beach to enjoy the waves and have some fun in the sun over the Easter weekend holiday.Monarch Lifeguards based in Walvis Bay, which intends to ensure that beachgoers stay safe while enjoying themselves, provided some water safety tips.
What to do
• Always swim at the beach or in a pool watched by lifeguards.
• Ask lifeguards for the safest place to swim.
• Pay attention to the beach warning flags and swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Always swim with a friend.
• Children should swim under supervision of parents or guardians.
• Keep toys not in use away from the pool.
• Install and use a guard fence around a home pool.
• Wear a lifejacket.
• Know your physical limits in water.
• Learn how to swim the correct way.
What not to do
• Don’t rely on inflatable devices to keep your children afloat.
• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
• Don’t run and dive into the water.
• When caught in a rip current, swim parallel with the waves until it breaks and never panic.
• Reach or throw aiding devices to distressed swimmers. Don’t leave the scene.
Fun in the sun
• When spending time at the beach make sure you protect yourself from the sun.
• Before going outdoors, apply sunscreen with a high protection factor, higher than 30 . Reapply sunscreen every two hours, including your ears, face, and neck. After swimming re-apply sunscreen immediately.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a large hat.
• When spending time in the sun, drink extra water to remain hydrated.
• Avoid spending excessive time in the sun, especially around midday. Try to stay in the shade by using an umbrella.