 Swimming
is the number one recreational activity in South Florida, which is not
surprising. But it also accounts for nearly half of the water-related
deaths in the state each year. There are some precautions that apply in
any water. The most important should be obvious, but bears repeating. Your
best insurance against drowning is learning to swim. The following
safety tips are presented to help inform the public and insure a safe and
enjoyable stay at Hollywood Beach.
- Always swim near a staffed lifeguard tower, never swim alone.
- Check warning flags and ask a lifeguard about the surf and beach conditions.
- Don't overestimate your swimming ability. Never depend on a floatation device for your safety.
- Know a Rip Current - a "rip" can pull you off shore. If you should
be caught in a rip current - DO NOT PANIC. Relax and swim parallel to shore and in the same
direction as the current.
- Don't dive into unknown water or into shallow breaking waves.
- Swim sober. Alcohol and drugs impair good judgment, which may cause people to take risks they would not otherwise take.
- Mom & Dad are Lifeguards. Parents,
please keep a close eye on your kids, especially when they are in the
ocean. On busy days our guards are keeping thousands of people safe and on
these occasions an extra pair of eyes can be a great help.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen, preferably SPF 15 or higher.
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