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In my years at the ocean I've noticed many people be unsafe spending time at the ocean (some of these tips even apply at the pool!) So I'd like to give you a Cordelia Certified list of Ocean Safety tips!
The first thing you need to do when going to a beach is check for flags! Not all beaches have them, especially smaller beaches, so try to go to a big beach to check their flag status first!
Green Flag: A-Okay to swim! This means calm conditions. You should still always be careful because the ocean can be unpredictable!
Yellow Flag: This is a bit worse, moderate conditions. You can still swim and be safe, just be careful if the waves start to be stronger, then you should come back to shore, and practice extra caution around tides!
Single Red Flag: Uh-oh this flag means strong currents. You can still enjoy the beach, especially at the very shallow end, but swimming in these conditions is not advised as the currents could pull you in!
Double Red Flag: This means that the beach is closed. These are the worst conditions, meaning it is completely unsafe and too hazardous to swim in. If you decide to break this warning and swim either way, you could end up a pirate lost at sea!
Purple Flag: This means there is dangerous sea life such as Jellyfish or Sting-Rays. You can still enjoy the beach, but beware of these pesky little creatures, but make sure not to bother them either! They're just chilling!
Tip numero dos, sun protection! The beach is open to a lot of UV rays, even when it's cloudy, so always make sure to reapply! And if you plan on swimming in the water, make sure to check that your sunscreen is reef safe! (The harmful chemicals in sunscreen are killing precious coral reefs!) another reef safe alternative is zinc oxide, which can come in many fun colors to rock on your beach trip! Remember to reapply, and also bring a hat or sunglasses for further protection!
Tip 3, bring a swimming buddy! If you plan on swimming in the ocean, never go alone. As I said earlier, the ocean is unpredictable. A buddy makes it even safer, with twice the fun! And make sure a lifeguard, or an adult is always watching you while you swim, even if you're in a pool.
Tip 4, never leave fires unattended, always put them out! While beach bonfires can be fun, you need to remember to put out your fires or it can cause serious damage! Keep a bucket of water and sand on the side, ocean water works perfectly well for this! The water puts out the fire, and the sand snuffs out those extra embers that might catch fire again.
Tip 5, dress appropriately! You all know the water is blue (or pink... in certain places, but we won't get into that!) so what you wear while swimming is extremely important! Wear bright colors, any shades of blue or pastels are a no-go, you'll blend into the water! Wearing a swimsuit that can be seen underwater is extremely important, that way if an accident were to happen, lifeguards can notice you!
While the beach is an extremely fun environment, there are hidden dangers everywhere, luckily you trusty handy-dandy ocean expert (me haha) is here to give you all the tips you need to enjoy the beach, while being safe! Good luck out there comrades o7
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