Englewood Beach Safety Refresher Course

Sun Block
The sun block rule is that you can never really have "enough" sun block. Better the hassle of applying and re-applying then getting a nasty sun burn which can easily ruin your vacation plans! Sunburn is painful and requires that you then avoid further sun exposure which is nearly impossible to do in Florida. If you should find yourself with a sun burn - drink plenty of fluids, apply cool compresses, take a pain reliever to reduce swelling and pain and avoid the sun as much as possible until it heals.

Common Sense Items

• Respect the ocean and the surrounding environment.
• Know your and your children's swimming abilities and limitations.
• Swim in groups rather then alone.
• Check the weather before going to the beach.
• Never swim during an electrical storm.
• Avoid murky water and swimming at dusk and dawn.
• In the event of an emergency, remain calm.
• Avoid swimming in areas where people are fishing.

Rip Tide
While I have never seen a rip tide there, it's always good to know what to do just in case, and in case you decide to visit other beaches in the future.

Rip tides are typically present in rough surf (RARELY if ever happens on Englewood Beach).

If you should ever find yourself in a rip tide, do not panic or try to swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Rip currents are rarely more then 30 feet wide. If you do not swim very well, stay in wading depth water to avoid this event.

Jellyfish
I have gone to Englewood Beach many many times over the years and have never seen a single jelly fish. It is good to know what to do in the event you should encounter one as I have read that the experience can be fairly painful.

• First, wash the area with ocean water.
• Apply vinegar (good idea to get a small bottle to keep in your beach bag).
• Remove the tentacles or stingers with tweezers (also a good beach bag item!)
• You might also try the hard edge of a card such as your drivers license or credit card in the event you can not actually see the offending item.
• Reapply vinegar.
• Always contact emergency services if there is nausea, vomiting, joing pain, headache, shortness of breath or any sort of mental symptoms such as poor balance, confusion, etc.

Sting Ray Shuffle
The Sting Ray Shuffle is actually a very simple preventative measure that will keep you safe from a less then friendly encounter. Fortunately, the county does post warnings if Sting Rays are very prevelant.

The actual method of doing the sting ray shuffle is very simple. Instead of picking up your feet and plunking them down, you simply slide your feet in the sand. Sting Rays have a tendency to "hide" under the sand and by shuffling your feet, you kick up the sand and frighten them away.

Here is an online Beach Safety Game for children to play online.