Flagler Beach PD Offers Beach & Water Safety Tips

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Flagler Beach, FL - The Flagler Beach Police Department (FBPD) is offering beach and water safety tips for residents and visitors as beach attendance increases with warmer spring temperatures and summer ahead.

The FBPD advises that beginning Saturday, April 1, lifeguards will be on-duty during weekends only. Stations will be manned from 10 AM to 5:15 PM. Daily staffing will begin Memorial Day weekend, May 27, and will continue through Labor Day Sept. 4. If there is no inclement weather, lifeguard towers will not be staffed. Those who choose to swim during inclement weather must do so at their own risk.

The FBPD asks residents and visitors to please be mindful of the following tips:

Learn to Swim: This is the best defense against drowning. Teach children to swim at an early age.

Swim Near a Lifeguard: The United States Lifeguard Association statistics over a 10-year period show the chance of drowning at a beach without lifeguard protection is almost 5 times as great as drowning at a beach with lifeguards.

Swim with a Friend: Many drownings involve those who swim by themselves. When you swim with a friend, if 1 of you has a problem, the other may be able to help or signal for help.

Check with Lifeguards: Lifeguards work continually to identify hazards. They can advise you on the safest place to swim, as well as plces to avoid. Talk to them when you first arrive at the beach and ask for advice.

Use Sunscreen and Drink Water: Choose a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen rated from 15 to 50 SPF or clothing that covers your skin. Reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day and drink lots of water. Avoid alcohol, which contributes to dehydration.

Keep the Beach and Water Clean: Please utilize trash containers and remember to leave footprints in the sand, not trash.

Obey Posted Signs and Flags: In Flagler County our Lifeguards utilize the following flags:

Green flag - low hazard

Yellow flag - medium hazard

Red flag - dangerous hazard

Purple flag - dangerous marine life, including jellyfish.

Learn Rip Current Safety: If you're caught in a rip current, stay calm and don't fight it by trying to swim directly to shore. Most rip currents are narrow and a short swim parallel to shore will bring you to safety.

Find more information about rip currents and beach & water safety  here.

If you have questions regarding beach and water safety in Flagler Beach, please contact Recreation Director Tom Gillin at (386) 276-0402, or Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2020.

Photo courtesy of Roobcio and Shutterstock.com.

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