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Safer Beaches

Aquatic Safety Research Group strives to educate the public and those in the aquatic industry about water safety in the hopes of preventing a tragedy.

Aquatic Safety Research Group's own Dr. Tom Griffiths is an internationally recognized educator specializing in drowning prevention and aquatic safety. He is the author of the only beach management textbook in the nation, Better Beaches, and developed the only national beach manager's training program in the US, Safe Swimming Beaches.

Safe Swimming Beaches Seminar

Aquatic Safety Research Group is also proud to offer the only two nationally-recognized instructors for the Safe Swimming Beaches seminar. Both Tom Griffiths and Shawn DeRosa (of DeRosa Aquatic Consulting) bring a dynamic and relaxed teaching style to this one-day beach management seminar and encourage maximum participation and sharing among all participants. Ask your beach manager if s/he has taken the Safe Swimming Beaches seminar! If not, perhaps they should.

 

General Beach Safety Tips

Swim Near a LifeguardLifeguard in chair
Statistics indicate that it is safer to swim on beaches with lifeguard services. Lifeguards are trained not only in injury prevention, but also in emergency response. Should anything go wrong at the beach, a lifeguard can help make the difference between life and death. Areas without lifeguard protection may also be areas that have hidden dangers such as sudden drop-offs, currents and weeds all which can endanger your safety.

Learn to SwimSafety instructor teaching a child to swim
Statistics indicate that it is safer to swim on beaches with lifeguard services. Lifeguards are trained not only in injury prevention, but also in emergency response. Should anything go wrong at the beach, a lifeguard can help make the difference between life and death. Areas without lifeguard protection may also be areas that have hidden dangers such as sudden drop-offs, currents and weeds all which can endanger your safety.

Alcohol and Swimming Do Not MixCorono beer bottle
Approximately 50% of catastrophic injuries (including drowning) involve alcohol consumption. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your judgment, balance, and coordination. Alcohol affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm. Alcohol can make you take risks at the beach that could lead to serious injury or death.

Seven Tips for Family Beach Safety*

  1. Keep Kids Within Arm's Reach
    Especially in the sea, but also on land.
  2. Don't Dive In
    2/3 of catastrophic neck injuries occur in open water and the sea.
  3. Knee Deep Is Too Deep
    Strong winds, waves and currents create dangerous rip currents that can sweep a child out to sea.
  4. Know Before You Go
    Know your flags - Red means stop; Green means go.
  5. Take Frequent Breaks
    Every hour take a sun, water or bathroom break.
  6. Go With The Wind
    Lost children tend to take the course of least resistance - follow the wind to find your kid.
  7. Look But Don't Touch
    Call local authorities to help injured or stranded animals.

*Developed by Aquatic Safety Research Group in cooperation with South Walton County Tourist Development Council.