There’s a reason that Florida is called the Sunshine State and why millions of people flock to the beaches every summer – it’s beautiful, and there are tons of things to do and see.
However, there are also certain risks associated with going to the Florida beaches. Because of this, it’s a good idea to learn what these are, which will help you stay safe and enjoy your time in the Florida sunshine.
If you are injured in Florida as a resident or during your vacation, and the injuries were caused by someone else’s fault or negligence, our Florida injury lawyers are here to help. At Zimmet & Zimmet Lawyers, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party or entity.
Here are some summer beach safety tips to keep in mind.
Remain Weather Aware
It’s a good idea to avoid going to the beach if the weather report has issued a warning of lightning. It’s also a good idea to wait a minimum of 30 minutes after the last thumber boom before you head back out to the shore. Also, watch and be ready for pop-up thunderstorms that are common in Florida.
Check the Flags and Know What They Mean
You need to know the conditions of the water before you jump in. Florida uses a flag system that lets you know what is going on.
If you notice a patch of water that is off-color or that seems choppy, you should avoid it. If you do happen to get pulled away by the current, remain calm, save your energy, and make sure you continue breathing. Don’t try to swim against the current; it will only cause you to tire out. Instead, remain calm and swim horizontally to the shore until you are no longer in the current. After that, swim diagonally toward the shore. If you can’t make it all the way there, wave your arms, make noise, and yell for help.
Watch for Hazardous Ocean Life
The most common type of hazardous ocean life people associate with the beach is jellyfish; however, there are other potential dangers, too. While jellyfish should be watched for since they can cause a painful sting, you should also watch for clamshells and mussels, which can be sharp and scrape or puncture your skin.
Use Sunscreen
You need to make sure you protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays. The best way to do this is by using sunscreen or covering your skin with hats and clothing. This is going to help you prevent sunburn and the possibility of skin cancer. If you use sunscreen, be sure to reapply it several times throughout the day and after you get out of the water.
Use a Life Jacket or Another Flotation Device
If you or someone you are with isn’t a strong swimmer, it’s smart to use a life jacket or some other type of flotation device. If you put water wings on your child, be sure to have them take breaks and remove them from time to time. For children who are not strong swimmers, be sure you are always supervising them while they are in the water.
Remain Sober and Alert
When you drink alcohol, your judgment will be impaired. If you are under the influence of alcohol, then you may also start to take unnecessary risks. Also, alcohol will reduce your body temperature, which can impact your ability to swim well. This has caused many drownings and is something you should avoid during your time at the beach.
Drink Plenty of Water and Stay Hydrated
Florida summers can be brutal, and it’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach triple digits. This can result in reduced energy and even disorientation if you aren’t staying hydrated. Be sure you are drinking plenty of water and taking snack breaks from time to time.
Let Our Florida Beach Injury Lawyers Help You File an Accident Claim
If you suffer an injury on or around a Florida beach this year, our Florida beach injury lawyers are ready to help. It doesn’t matter if you are in a car accident, hit as you ride your bicycle in a parking lot, or experience an injury on the beach; if it is caused by someone else’s fault or wrongdoing, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our legal team has provided clients just like you with legal services for years and will use our resources and expertise to ensure that you can recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
The first step to utilizing our legal services is to get in touch with our legal team and schedule a free initial consultation. We are here to help protect your rights.
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