Equipment needed:

Wave and current information, aquatic life specimens, beach flags, local rules and regulations, the American Red Cross Community Water Safety book, station sign, 1-2 volunteers

Lecture:

Beach Safety including rivers, lakes, ponds, etc.:

A. What to look for when going to the beach

1. Guarded area
2. Clean beaches and water

a. No sudden drop off's
b. No underwater hazards

3. Signals for wave conditions

a. Flags
b. Conditions board

4. Aquatic life (e.g., jellyfish, crabs, snakes, etc.)

B. Weather, wave & current information

1. Never swim during thunderstorms or strong winds

C. What to do when you get there

1. Locate the lifeguard.
2. Know the surf conditions.
3. Swim away from piers and pilings.
4. Look out for dangerous aquatic life.
5. Never swim too far out — swim parallel to shore and save enough energy to get back to safety.
6. If you are caught in a current, call for help, relax, and swim gradually away from it. Never swim against it. Never fake actions or calls for help.
7. Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
8. Supervise children closely.

Demonstration:

How to form a human chain. Review throwing assists (especially upstream) and use of the rescue board.

This site developed, designed and maintained by Meg Becker
for the Water Safety Coalition.

Last updated on April 26, 2001