Nicole Fuentes
It’s mid-July and while the weather was far from ideal, summer is still a time to enjoy. We live on the South Shore and are fortunate enough to be neighbors to Great South Bay. But with that comes responsibility when it comes to swimming and boating safely. We also have to remember never to drink and drive from all the summer festivals on the way home.
Below we’ve compiled a number of summer safety tips provided by local villages, Suffolk County Police, and lifeguards.
Riptide safety tips
What is a riptide?
According to licensed lifeguards of Patchogue Village and Islip Town, a riptide is defined as a narrow water current that sweeps out swimmers caused by converging water currents from waves, tides, and outward flow of water. They are caused by winds and waves being pushed towards land.
Mark Taormina, Supervisor, Town of Islip Sports & Aquatics Division, makes a flood so dangerous that “it sweeps swimmers offshore and at the same time tires swimmers trying to fight it.”
“It could drag people offshore into deeper water,” added Nick Constantino, manager and lifeguard at Patchogue Beach Club.
How can they be discovered?
“They are lighter eddies, sometimes frothy, always lighter than the darker water that surrounds them,” Taormina explained.
Constantino said they always have white foam on the outside between waves and usually have less breakers between waves.
“There are small waves on the surface surrounded by calm water,” he said.
What to do when you’re trapped in one
If you run into a tide, swim parallel to the beach, and if you are exhausted while swimming, wave to the lifeguard. Never swim against it.
“You will run out of energy and drown,” warned Constantino. “Relax, let the current take you out and float on your back. Swim parallel to the bank and then swim in. “
The worst scenario, he said, was panic. He also suggested that those who save the person never swim directly towards them or they will be sucked out too. Instead, have something to throw away for them to pull back in.
“Reach or throw, never go,” he said.
To avoid the problem entirely, Taormina suggests that swimmers stay within their skill levels and realize that the ocean is always in control. Constantino suggests swimming only while lifeguards are on duty, checking the UV index and paying attention to the ebb and flow of the tide, as well as the wind speed and direction. Also, always check the flags to make sure you can swim safely.
Taormina added, to encourage kids to have a buddy system, make sure someone knows you are going in the water, and ask lifeguards about swimming conditions.
He also said, “If in doubt, don’t go out.”
Drinking and driving or boating prevention
Prevention is key, according to Suffolk County Police Chief Bob Brown. There are approximately 10,000 deaths from alcohol use and driving each year, he said, also noting that that number is lower than in previous years due to the department’s improved education programs.
He suggests always assigning a specific driver if you plan on having a drink. Having a plan is an important factor, he said. If death isn’t enough to scare you, there are severe penalties for drinking, driving, or boating. Although the penalties are complex, he said, the basic .08 DWI has a minimum fine of up to $ 1,000 and one year in prison that doesn’t include hidden legal fees and license disqualifications.
“For repeat offenders or injuries, the penalties are much harsher,” he said, explaining that insurance companies also increase insurance fees for offenders.
But mostly, he said, it’s just that dangerous.
“When people drink, drive a car or drive a boat, it’s dangerous for everyone on the street, not just the person who drank,” he said. “Whatever happens on a boat, you can’t just get out; there is a completely different situation. These are good things, but you have to get there safely. “
As recently as that month, he added, there were two fatalities on the water from boat trips, one of which was due to alleged alcohol consumption.
Safety through sun protection
Use an appropriate SPF (Sun Protection Factor) over 15 and make it waterproof. Sunblock should also be reapplied every two hours or so. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunscreen is effective in preventing skin cancer and precancerous lesions. With regular use, the risk of squamous cell carcinoma can be reduced by about 40 percent and melanoma by 50 percent.
Who should wear it? Everyone.
When to use 30 minutes each day before going outside.
Where? On all exposed skin areas.
How much? About an ounce for the entire body.
What’s the best variety? Mineral sunscreen or chemical. Both are safe, according to the foundation, and most companies in the market often use a mix of both.
People outdoors should use a sun protection factor even when it is cloudy and, for even better protection from the sun, always consider covering themselves with a hat or light clothing.
The Village of Patchogue Parks and Recreation Department provides free sunscreen and hand sanitizer in all village parks. Each station comes with SPF 30 Coppertone Sport. The sunscreen is waterproof and sweatproof.
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