Safety tips to discover and spread for your summer at the beach!

Accidental drownings occur at all ages and in all locations. However, the vast majority of these drownings are preventable. How to fight? By spreading these prevention tips adapted to the beach to be safe all summer long!

Safety tips for the beach

In 2018, 44% of accidental drownings occurred at sea, 31% in swimming pools of all types, 22% in rivers or bodies of water and 4% in other places (bathtubs, ponds, etc.). Each summer, they are responsible for hundreds of hospitalizations and nearly 4 deaths per day on average, which represents between 400 and 500 deaths per summer.

Top 10 beach prevention tips

1. Ask for advice (travel agency, vacation spot) when you book to find out if the beach is safe and if qualified lifeguards will be on duty.
2. Keep in mind that accidents most commonly occur during the first hour of vacation. That is, when children escape the attention of parents busy unpacking. Make sure you never leave a child unattended!
3. Once you’re settled in, visit the beach and look for potential hazards before heading out to sea.
4. At the beach, never leave your young children out of your reach – supervision is the key to preventing serious accidents.
5. Always seek advice from local authorities (lifeguards, tourist information offices, local coast guard stations, local fishermen) about the specific dangers of the area.
6. Avoid swimming or diving
   near rocks, piers, seawalls and coral;
   
7. Water safety signage can vary greatly from country to country. Be informed and always follow the safety instructions indicated by the swimming flags and/or the lifeguards.
8. Inflatable mattresses or boats are a well-known hazard. Indeed, they do not protect against the risk of drowning and users often find themselves swept away by the sea. Do not use them in open water. Use them in sheltered and confined spaces, such as natural pools.
9. If you get stuck in quicksand or mud, do not get up. Lie down, extend your weight, call for help and slowly move towards the beach in breaststroke.
10. If you witness an emergency, know how to call for help in the destination country (112: European emergency number).

Learn more about S.A.F.E., the water safety prevention program developed by Swim Stars.

Be aware of the beach and its dangers, for a safe summer!