Swimming is one of the most popular activities in South Florida. We have perfect water temperatures, hot sunny days, and numerous types of water sports to participate in. But there are some hidden dangers of which you should be aware. The Sunny Isles Beach Ocean Rescue Division is always taking extra steps to make sure our beach is a safe place for you and your family to spend the day. We, the Sunny Isles Beach Lifeguards are continuously training to provide excellent service for our residents and visiting guests.
TIPS FOR BEACH SAFETY
• Always swim in a guarded area.
• Check warning flags daily and ask a lifeguard about the surf and beach conditions.
• Do not overestimate your swimming abilities, stay close to shore.
• Alcohol and swimming do not mix, swim sober.
• Do not dive or jump into unknown waters.
• Always drink a lot of fluids (water) to stay hydrated.
• No glass containers are allowed on the beach, broken glass is an unseen hazard.
• Report all hazardous conditions to lifeguards.
• Always protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher.
• If you are in trouble, call or wave for help.
• If you are on a body board or surfboard use a leash to keep the board close to you.
• Report all bird or animal injuries to a lifeguard, we try to save everything.
• If you are caught in a “Rip Current” most important do not panic, try to signal for help and swim parallel to shore or until the current releases you.
A Rip Current is a seaward moving current that circulates water back to the sea from waves on the shore line; a Rip Current is formed by pressured water. As the pressured water moves out to sea it takes the path of least resistance, usually between sandbars and next to jetties and piers. First thing as you arrive to the beach check with the lifeguards and see which warning flag they are flying. Always swim near a lifeguard tower and obey their whistle as we are there to prevent anything from happening.
Rip Currents can be very wide or narrow and they start pulling outwards very close to the shoreline. If you feel yourself getting pulled out by a Rip Current DO NOT PANIC! Relax your body and breathing and look around for signs of current change. Do not try to fight it and swim directly back to shore. Swim parallel (North or South) and once you’re out of the current start to make your way back to shore. If you get tired REMEMBER to relax and you can float on your back just letting it pull you out. This will conserve your energy to yell and wave for help. This is why swimming in the area of lifeguard towers really makes a difference.
OBVIOUS SIGNS OF A RIP CURRENT
• Seaweed or debris moves outward in a stream.
• Difference in water color.
• Waves not breaking or churning water.
• Surface foam moving outward.
• Darker ,deeper water areas
The Ocean Rescue Division is now part of the SIB Police Department and has recently increased its number of lifeguards and towers. This makes it very safe for you and your family in the case of an emergency. Also remember the lifeguards are there for anything else you may need; so don’t be shy, walk by the tower and say “Hi.”
BEACH WARNING FLAGS COLORS:
Double Red – Water closed to public.
Red – High Hazard High Surf and/or Strong Currents
Yellow – Medium Hazard Moderate Surf and/or Currents
Green – Low Hazard Calm Conditions, Exercise Caution
Purple – Dangerous Marine Life
