Play it safe at the beach with summertime tips

There's nothing better than a day at the beach. The sun, the surf . . . what could be more fun? However, no environment is risk free. The ocean is powerful and unpredictable, and without the proper safety precautions our local beaches can be dangerous. You and your family should enjoy the beach this summer, but always with the utmost safety and caution. If you are a parent, please review this info with your kids before you visit the beach.

+Learn to swim. Do not enter the ocean unless you know how to swim, and never rely on flotation devices such as rafts or boogie boards in place of swimming ability. If you fall off the flotation device but do not know how to swim, you could panic and have difficulty retrieving it. Drownings can happen this way.

+Swim near a lifeguard. According to the United States Lifeguarding Association, the odds of drowning at a public beach are nearly five times as great without lifeguard supervision. The risk of drowning at a lifeguard-protected beach is nearly nonexistent- 18 million to 1. Always swim near an open lifeguard tower. No lifeguard? No swimming.

+Protect your head and neck. Never dive into the ocean headfirst- it's a leading cause of head and neck injuries. Always enter the ocean feet first, and when you are boogie/body boarding, keep your hands out in front to protect your head and neck.

+Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy, because many drownings involve single swimmers. If you ever get lost or separated from your buddy, tell the lifeguard immediately.

+Obey all posted warning signs and flags. Signs and flags alert you to ocean safety conditions. For clarification about what they mean, ask a lifeguard.

+Never turn your back on the ocean. Even the smallest wave can knock you over and cause injury, especially if you are caught by surprise. Always face forward.

+Learn about rip currents and how to get out of them. Ever notice that "muddy" ocean water appearance flowing away from the shore? Chances are that's a rip current. Rip currents are dangerous because they pull you away from the beach into deeper water. To get out of a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then you can swim safely back to the beach.

+Avoid drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment. Under their influence you might take unnecessary risks. Alcohol plays a significant role in many drownings.

+Beware of trash and broken glass. Bare feet are perfect targets for broken glass and other trash all over the beach. Walk gingerly and beware of these and other hazards. It is best to keep your shoes on while walking between your car and the area of the beach you set up.

+Don't forget the sunscreen. Sunscreen protects from harmful rays that can lead to sunburn and skin cancer. It should be applied several times during your day at the beach, especially after spending time in the water.

Eric Naftulin is owner and founder of Aloha Beach Camp. For more information, visit www.alohabeachcamp.com.