GULF
SHORES and ORANGE BEACH,
Ala. and PIGEON FORGE,
Tenn., May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Memorial Day
is the official start of the summer travel season, kicking off 100
days of fun in the sun … and water!
Two of the most popular summer vacation destinations are beaches
and water parks, each of which brings plenty of joy but also
potential worries. To help visitors prepare for a summer in the sun
and create pleasant memories in and near the water, lifeguards
spend countless hours training to avoid emergencies and
conditioning themselves to be ready if they do need to spring into
action.
We spoke with some of these lifeguards to get some tips on how
to keep everyone safe this summer, no matter what part of the
country they're vacationing in.
Beach Safety
The twin beach communities of Gulf
Shores and Orange Beach in
coastal Alabama welcome millions
of visitors each summer. Though the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico offer unique features that set
them apart from beaches up and down the East and West coasts of
the United States, there are
general rules that all beachgoers can follow to stay safe this
summer. (And the final week of May, noted as National Beach Safety
Week, is the perfect time to remind people of those rules.)
Joethan Phillips, the Beach Safety Chief for the City of Gulf Shores, and Brett Lesinger, the Beach Safety Division Chief
for the City of Orange Beach,
support their destinations' "BEach SAFE" program, which aims to
educate visitors about potential hazards and help them best prepare
for their beach vacations.
"An open body of water always has hazards and
dangers," Lesinger says. "It's not like a pool. You don't know
the exact depth. You may not be able to see the floor. There are
waves and currents, even on the flattest days."
Phillips agrees, saying, "Know what you're getting yourself
into. Know that this is not a controlled body of water."
Here are some safety tips that the pair assembled for travelers
planning a beach vacation this summer:
Prepare for the Beach
- Learn to swim.
- If you don't know how to swim, use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved
life jacket. You can buy these at local stores in all beach
communities.
- Research the area you're visiting so you're aware of what to
expect on the beach and in the water.
- Many beach communities offer text services so you can be
notified about water and weather conditions. Opt into this a few
days before your trip and opt out when you return home.
Practice Water Safety
- Swim near a lifeguard or tower.
- Don't ever go to the beach or in the water alone. Always have a
buddy with you.
- Take the time to look for warning flags and understand their
meanings. These will be at the end of boardwalks, on lifeguard
stands and at access points to public beaches.
Respond to Emergencies
- If you see someone in trouble, stop what you're doing and call
9-1-1. Do not use your phone to record the event; use it to help
the person in trouble.
- If the water is overtaking you, try not to panic. Conserve your
energy.
- If you feel that you're in danger, wave for help.
- Float on your back or try to tread water until the lifeguard
can reach you.
Don't Get Lost
- Snap a family photo at the start of the day so you can describe
what people are wearing.
- Know where your stuff is. Everything looks the same, from
umbrellas to beach chairs.
- Find a point of reference that's easily identifiable to all
members of your group, especially kids.
- Adults should watch children at all times, but remind kids to
look for a lifeguard for help if they lose track of their
family.
- Know your address and name of the place you're staying.
Water Park Safety
Most of us know the name Dollywood, Dolly Parton's theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Its sister water
park, Dollywood's Splash Country, might not be as well known, but
it's just as celebrated within the amusement industry. It offers
towering slides, sparkling pools, family-friendly splash zones and
beautiful scenery … because like Dollywood, this water park is
built into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Though it's noted for great rides, incredible food options and
an array of entertainment, Dollywood's Splash Country is known
throughout the industry for its commitment to safety. Lauren Lowery, Senior Operations Manager, helps
oversee the park's team of award-winning lifeguards, who spend
hours preparing through an intensive program developed by Ellis
& Associates, which has trained aquatic safety teams in more
than 40 countries.
"It can be hard to keep safety top-of-mind when a water
park's environment is so exciting, but a little safety preparation
can go a long way," Lowery says. "We encourage our guests to do
their research before they visit. Gain an understanding of the park
and its offerings, so you can have a plan for your visit."
Dollywood's Splash Country offers these additional tips for
staying safe at water attractions this summer:
Wear Proper Swim Gear
- Wear brightly colored swimwear to help increase
visibility.
- Avoid blues and greens that might blend into the water and make
it harder for lifeguards to see you.
- Inexperienced swimmers should use Coast Guard-approved life
jackets and puddle jumpers.
- Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties" or "water
wings."
Swim Safely
- Always swim with a buddy.
- Don't dive into shallow pools. Instead, jump in
feet-first.
- Don't jump or push others into the water.
- Always have additional adult supervision. Extra eyes can help
ensure safety.
Look Before You Slide
- Water parks are full of fun attractions for all ages and swim
abilities. It's important to understand exactly what kind of water
ride you're getting on.
- Watch a ride before getting in line. Pay attention to its entry
and exit points, twists and turns, or any other aspect that could
bring difficulty to a rider.
- Take the time to read the ride's safety signage, which will be
posted at the entrance.
- Don't get onto a ride if it makes you nervous or uncomfortable,
and don't try to talk others into doing so.
Take Care of Your Body
- Swimming is a fun but tiring activity.
- Being in a body of water is not the same as drinking water. Be
sure to hydrate properly for a long day in the sun.
- Stay energized. Our bodies naturally burn more energy just by
being in the water, so make sure you eat plenty of nutritious foods
during your day at the water park.
- Water can reflect and intensify the sun's rays, putting you at
risk for sunburn on even the cloudiest of days. Wear and reapply
sunscreen often.
Above all, whether you're spending your vacation at a water park
or the beach, take your cues from the lifeguards, who spend hours
training and learning how to navigate potential danger.
"We're not here to ruin people's fun," Lesinger says. "We want
people to enjoy their vacation and go home safely."
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SOURCE MBPR