Hey Friends! Spring Break is just around the corner meaning that warmer weather is coming! Now is a good time to refresh your memory on beach safety and what to do if you encounter rip currents. You should always remember to swim with a friend and to always play it safe. Always make sure that you check conditions before getting in the water. You can even get text alerts now, test ALERTBALDWIN to 888777 to enroll.
Rip Currents are one of the easiest ways to get sucked out in the Gulf. They are powerful narrow channels of water moving quickly away from the shore. You will find that they are most common where waves are crashing perpendicular to the beach. My family’s rule was that if it looked like a “washing machine” there was most likely a rip current there. You can also look for discolored water near the shore. When rip currents form, they are dragging sand from the bottom of the ocean or gulf. Now that you are familiar with Rip Currents. How do you escape one? The first thing you must do is remain calm. If you try to fight the current, you will get tired very quickly. To get out of a current you need to swim parallel to the shore. Once you feel that you are out you can swim to safety. If the current is too strong to escape, you should float or tread water until you feel it weaken. Then you can swim back to shore. If you see someone caught in a current, you should call 9-1-1 and look for a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not around, you should throw them something to float on and yell instructions. DO NOT put yourself in danger trying to rescue someone else!
Sun Safety is another big need to know around here! You should apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours or after getting wet. You should also wear clothing that has SPF in it and hats to keep the sun off. Especially for children! Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Heat Stroke is very common down here. You should watch for hot, red, dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. If you see someone having these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and keep the victim lying down with ice packs on them.
Need a place to stay? Sunset Properties has you covered! Check us out online or give us a call at 251-543-1370 and let us find the perfect spot for you. Kids like lazy rivers? Caribe B Penthouse 4 may be the spot for you! Like to be away from the hustle and bustle? Dunes 501 would be perfect. Do you really want that beautiful Gulf view? Make sure you check out Crystal Tower 706!
