It's here a last. Summer 2014! Spring actually wasn't too bad and we all know how bad winter sucked so..yes! this is what we've been waiting for. But with all of the excitement and lots of people's pent up enthusiasm to hit the beach it can create a danger that is too often overlooked by the typical beach visitor. Your first guess might be traffic safety but I'd like to focus for a moment on water safety and ocean swimming in particular.
According to an online source, the ocean temperature today at the Indian River Inlet is 70 degrees- plenty warm enough to comfortably enjoy for an extended period of time. With that in mind there have been some unusual instances in local waters already (16 year old bitten by nurse shark in Cape Henlopen/Great White sighted in Cape May) and it's still early in the season. But as early as May lifeguards in Florida were experiencing andreporting an unusually high amount of saves due to riptides. Record numbers in fact.
Sadly, there have been numerous saves this year and unfortunately 2 have died so far this season in Ocean City. These types of accidents can be much more avoidable perhaps preventable with some extra precautions on our parts.
I'm a parent. I love my girls and I love the ocean. That particular combination has resulted in some of the most cherished moments of my life and I want to keep it that way. As they've grown older I've relaxed a little bit knowing they're getting older and stronger and I can trust their judgment and swimming abilities. But it just takes 10-15 seconds of being inattentive and a riptide can change everything.
Be aware. Be more attentive. We, in Delaware are very fortunate to have clean, nice beaches and beach state parks. Our coast is beautiful and rightfully in high demand. But it's unwise to think it can't happen to you or a loved one. Our lifeguards are competent and well trained to handle the demands of the ocean but they aren't baby sitters. We can all be safe and still have a great time.
If you and/or your kids are going in the water it's a good idea to maintain an unobscured view and to establish visible boundaries on land and to stay within them. Discuss the water condition with them and even the lifeguard if you have questions. After all, we exercise caution in so many areas but often overlook water safety and I'm suggesting you treat it with the same caution you would exercise walking your kids across a busy highway.
When I visit the ocean now I approach it as this somewhat moody old friend or relative that I love to visit but I'm never really certain which version I'm going to get. Will it be the sweet tranquil one that just lavishes you with attention and comfort or will it be the troubled one where things might look ok on the surface but you feel there's trouble underneath. As I've gotten older I've realized that I can enjoy the ocean as much as I did as a kid and young man...I just don't heal as fast. A couple misjudgments with some waves and I'm on an ice and Advil regimen for days.
I would never want to take the fun away from it nor could I. I'm simply asking you to be aware of the water condition each and every time you go. It's always different and I don't want anyone to take safety for granted. I want everyone to enjoy the beach, grab your shower and continue having your dinner, drinks and fun with your friends and loved ones
According to an online source, the ocean temperature today at the Indian River Inlet is 70 degrees- plenty warm enough to comfortably enjoy for an extended period of time. With that in mind there have been some unusual instances in local waters already (16 year old bitten by nurse shark in Cape Henlopen/Great White sighted in Cape May) and it's still early in the season. But as early as May lifeguards in Florida were experiencing andreporting an unusually high amount of saves due to riptides. Record numbers in fact.
Sadly, there have been numerous saves this year and unfortunately 2 have died so far this season in Ocean City. These types of accidents can be much more avoidable perhaps preventable with some extra precautions on our parts.
I'm a parent. I love my girls and I love the ocean. That particular combination has resulted in some of the most cherished moments of my life and I want to keep it that way. As they've grown older I've relaxed a little bit knowing they're getting older and stronger and I can trust their judgment and swimming abilities. But it just takes 10-15 seconds of being inattentive and a riptide can change everything.
Be aware. Be more attentive. We, in Delaware are very fortunate to have clean, nice beaches and beach state parks. Our coast is beautiful and rightfully in high demand. But it's unwise to think it can't happen to you or a loved one. Our lifeguards are competent and well trained to handle the demands of the ocean but they aren't baby sitters. We can all be safe and still have a great time.
If you and/or your kids are going in the water it's a good idea to maintain an unobscured view and to establish visible boundaries on land and to stay within them. Discuss the water condition with them and even the lifeguard if you have questions. After all, we exercise caution in so many areas but often overlook water safety and I'm suggesting you treat it with the same caution you would exercise walking your kids across a busy highway.
When I visit the ocean now I approach it as this somewhat moody old friend or relative that I love to visit but I'm never really certain which version I'm going to get. Will it be the sweet tranquil one that just lavishes you with attention and comfort or will it be the troubled one where things might look ok on the surface but you feel there's trouble underneath. As I've gotten older I've realized that I can enjoy the ocean as much as I did as a kid and young man...I just don't heal as fast. A couple misjudgments with some waves and I'm on an ice and Advil regimen for days.
I would never want to take the fun away from it nor could I. I'm simply asking you to be aware of the water condition each and every time you go. It's always different and I don't want anyone to take safety for granted. I want everyone to enjoy the beach, grab your shower and continue having your dinner, drinks and fun with your friends and loved ones
RSS Feed