How to Keep Your Family Safe AND Have a Fabulous Vacation
This blog was updated for accuracy and content in November, 2021
The day you've been looking forward to has finally arrived. You’re happily settled in at your fabulous Sunset Beach Vacation Rental. Everyone is ready to hit the beach for some much-anticipated fun. But, before you head out the door to enjoy the gorgeous North Carolina surf and sand, take a quick minute to brush up on some important beach safety tips.
DISCLAIMER:
All content included in this post is for informational purposes only.
The ocean is a powerful force, so please use caution as you enjoy one of Mother Nature's most amazing gifts.
When in doubt, don't go out!
KNOW WHEN IT’S SAFEST TO SWIM
The ocean is wonderful, and it’s only natural to want to jump in and experience its magnificence for yourself. However, some water conditions and swimming areas are safer than others.
Do you know how to correctly interpret beach signs and beach flag warnings?
Red Flag
High Hazard
All swimming
is discouraged.
Yellow Flag
Medium Hazard
Non-swimmers and weaker swimmers are discouraged from entering the water.
Green Hazard
Low Hazard
Calm swimming conditions. Standard caution must still be exercised.
Purple Flag
Dangerous Marine Life
High likelihood of animals such as jellyfish, stingrays or dangerous fish.
The lack of a beach warning flag does not mean that conditions are safe for swimming.
Surf/swim conditions are subject to change, and conditions may change suddenly.
NEVER SWIM ALONE
No matter how strong a swimmer you are, it only takes a split second for a powerful wave to knock you off your feet, or for a strong undertow to pull you under the surf line. Swimming with a partner ensures that there’s someone very close by who can immediately alert people on shore if you find yourself unable to signal for assistance.
RESPECT THE RIP
According to the USLA, if you notice any of the following surf conditions while at the beach, it may indicate an active rip current:
- a channel of churning, choppy water
- an area with a notable difference in water color
- a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward
- a break in the incoming wave pattern
To learn more about rip currents, watch this video from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
OUR SPECIAL SAFETY NOTE TO VACATIONERS WITH CHILDREN
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), kids aged 1-4 are more likely to die from drowning that any other non-birth defect related cause, and death by drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death of kids aged 1-14 (second only to motor vehicle accidents). It is imperative that children of all ages be closely supervised while in or around any body of water.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN
Did you know that the most common type of cancer is skin cancer? Melanoma is a particular type of skin cancer that accounts for a very small overall percentage of skin cancer cases, but is responsible for a large number of skin cancer deaths.
One
of the biggest risk factors for developing melanoma is overexposure to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as is found in the sun’s rays. Click here for today's link to the National Weather Service’s UV forecast map.
The CDC lists the following as important ways to protect yourself:
- Seek shade: umbrellas, tents, shelters and other covered structures are all good options for finding shade at the beach
- Wear suitable clothing: UV-rated apparel, long sleeves and pants, and darker colors are all good options for protecting your skin from damaging radiation
- Check your head: wear a hat or other head covering, and don’t forget to protect your ears and neck. Sunglasses are also recommended
Lather up: Sunscreen should be within its expiration date and should protect against UVA and UVB radiation. Apply liberally and often, especially when engaged in water activities or when sweating.
Accidentally got too much sun? Here are some tips on how to manage sunburn symptoms.
DRINK UP
Water, that is. It’s easier than you think to get dehydrated when you’re enjoying your vacation days on hot and sunny Sunset Beach. If you notice that you’re thirstier than usual, or you get suddenly lightheaded or dizzy, you may already be suffering the symptoms of dehydration. Grab that bottle of water and some high-water content snacks such as grapes or oranges and replenish your body before you experience some of the side effects of dehydration.
INVEST IN TRAVEL INSURANCE
Planning and fulfilling a vacation takes time, energy, and a whole lot of hoping for the best. Most of the time, things go off without a hitch. But sometimes the unexpected DOES happen.
Travel insurance is one often underutilized tool that you can use to keep your family safe both before and during your fabulous Sunset Beach vacation. Sunset Vacations Rentals cares about your well-being, and can help you protect your family by offering travel insurance. Read more about our policy in this blog.
For a general idea of how travel insurance can help keep your family safe, click here to watch a quick video.
For a detailed conversation about your specific needs and to purchase travel insurance that is best suited to your Sunset Beach vacation, call our offices at 800-331-6428.
Here at Sunset Vacations, we want you to have a fun and memorable vacation. Your health and safety are our top priority.
If you haven't already booked your Sunset Beach Vacation Rental, call us TODAY at 800-331-6428.
Ready to book a trip to Sunset Beach? Start your search with a beautiful Oceanfront property.
