Happy Australia Day to all!
Who doesn’t love to go to the beaches, watch serene scenery, enjoy the warmth of the sun and take a dip into the water? Everyone does! But ocean water is a deep, unknown territory and we need to be cautious while engaging in water-related activities.
Hence as we make plans to visit the beaches during this long weekend, Nepalese Voice urges the community yet again to swim safely. For your memorable day in the beaches, we have some helpful and informational tips that will assure your safety while you spend some quality time at the beaches:
Swim between the flags
Search for the two yellow flags on a beach because the area between the two flags is patrolled by lifeguards and is marked safe for swimming. Do not try to explore the area aside from the yellow flags by yourself since it is a risky move.
Pay Attention to Safety Signs
Whenever you see a safety signboard, take a moment to study the safety signs posted in the boards around the beach area – the signboards provide information about the nature of the beach, the types of currents, and several other life-saving informations.
Always Be Alert
Be mindful of what your friends and family members are up to – keep an eye out for them. Observe the kind of waves and the current, and always prioritize safety over fun. Also, avoid drinking if you are going for a swim.
Know what a Rip Tide/Current is
A rip is a strong, localized, and narrow current of water which moves directly away from the shore, cutting through the lines of breaking waves like a river running out to sea. A rip current is strongest and fastest nearest the surface of the water.
Rip currents can be hazardous to people in the water, and if your find yourself caught in a current, do not panic, and swim parallel to the shore/beach. Once you are out of the current, swim back inland.
Take a Friend While Going Into the Water
It is advised to take a friend when entering into the water – in case help is needed, an alert can be sounded immediately, or if the friend is an experienced swimmer, s/he can lend a helping hand.
If any of your friends don’t know how to swim then don’t go too far in the water and be around them. It is best to swim where there are other people too so that someone will rescue you if anything goes wrong.
Have a safe and happy summer!
