THE BEACHES ARE ARGUABLY THE BEST THING ABOUT SAN DIEGO, BUT THEY CAN ALSO BE DANGEROUS- EDUCATION IS NECESSARY!

THE BEACH IS MY HAPPY PLACE. I CAN’T THINK OF ANYTHING BETTER THAN RELAXING ON THE SAND, IN GORGEOUS WEATHER, LISTENING TO THE OCEAN WAVES NEARBY. LIVING IN SAN DIEGO I FEEL FORTUNATE TO RAISE MY CHILDREN AT THE BEACH, MAKING SAND CASTLES, BOOGIE BOARDING, AND WATCHING THEM LEARN TO SURF AND SWIM IN THE OCEAN.

BUT, THE OCEAN CAN BE DANGEROUS. HERE ARE SOME TIPS AND LINKS TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE WHILE ENJOYING THE BEACH.

ALWAYS HAVE EYES ON YOUR KIDS

I know this may seem like a no-brainer. But I’m saying it because it’s important! Even if your child is a strong swimmer, it’s crucial to have eyes on them at all times. I’ve found one of the easiest ways for me to keep track of my kids is by having them wear a neon yellow rash guard while they swim, surf, and boogie board.

ALWAYS SWIM NEAR A LIFEGUARD ON DUTY

Even if you have eyes on your loved ones while they swim, if they need help- you may not be able to save them. Always swim near a lifeguard tower so you can get help if needed.

LEARN HOW TO GET OUT OF A RIP CURRENT

When I was 15 years old I went to the beach with friends to learn how to surf. While in the water I started drifting away from my group. This made me nervous so I kept trying to paddle and swim back to my friends. What I didn’t realize is, I was being pulled by a rip current. I was not educated on how to get out of a rip, so I got more and more panicked and tired from swimming against it. Eventually my friends flagged down a lifeguard who rescued me and got me to shore. I was exhausted, but relieved. You can avoid this situation by learning the proper way to get out of a rip current. Teach your friends and your kids. Knowledge is power!