Swimming Safely at the Beach: Tips to Keep Your Family Protected
A day on the sand and in the surf can be the highlight of your summer. But before you head to the Delaware beaches—or any shoreline—it’s essential to understand how to enjoy the ocean responsibly. Open water is powerful, unpredictable, and requires different skills than swimming in a pool.
Below are practical, lifesaving tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe in the surf and sun.
🌊 Top Things to Know Before You Swim
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✅ Always swim in a lifeguarded area. Lifeguards are on duty in Delaware from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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✅ Never swim alone. Even if you’re a strong swimmer.
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✅ Stay within your abilities. Respect your fitness and swimming level.
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✅ Supervise children closely. Never leave them unattended near the water.
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✅ Pay attention to signs and flags. Ask a lifeguard about current beach conditions.
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✅ Avoid swimming near fishing piers, pilings, or jetties. These areas are more dangerous.
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✅ No swimming or wading in designated surfing areas.
🚩 Be Aware of Rip Currents
Rip currents are strong, narrow channels of water moving away from shore. They’re responsible for most rescues performed by lifeguards.
How to Avoid Rip Currents
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Check conditions before you go in. Look for posted warnings and flags.
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Stay at least 100 feet from piers and jetties.
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Never swim alone or without a lifeguard present.
How to Escape a Rip Current
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Don’t panic. Fighting the current uses up energy.
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Swim parallel to the shoreline until you exit the current, then head to shore.
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If you can’t swim out, float or tread water calmly. Wave and yell for help if needed.
If you see someone caught in a rip current:
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Alert a lifeguard immediately or call 9-1-1.
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Throw them something that floats—like a lifejacket or cooler.
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Never enter the water to attempt a rescue unless you are a trained lifeguard.
🏊♂️ Establish Rules and Safe Behaviors
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Enter water feet first. Never dive headfirst into waves or unknown depths.
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Avoid jumping from heights. Bridges and boats are not safe diving platforms.
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Swim sober. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time.
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Supervise without distractions. No reading or phone use while watching kids.
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Swim with a buddy. Even in lifeguarded areas.
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Fill in any holes you dig in the sand before you leave. Holes should be no deeper than knee height of the smallest person in your group and must never be left unattended.
🌦 Be Aware of Hazards & Changing Conditions
Ocean swimming demands stronger skills and more awareness than pool swimming. Stay alert for:
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Rapidly changing tides.
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Fast-moving waves, even in shallow water.
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Sudden drop-offs.
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Underwater rocks, debris, and marine animals.
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Cold water temperatures.
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Boating and other watercraft.
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Thunderstorms:
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Leave the water immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning.
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If you’re in a boat, head to shore. If you can’t, lie low in the boat or shelter in a cabin.
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🌞 Sun Safety Tips
Protecting your skin is just as important as protecting your safety in the water.
Who’s Most At Risk for Sunburn?
People who are fair-skinned, blue-eyed, or red- or blonde-haired, and those who tan poorly are more susceptible to burns.
Sunscreen Best Practices
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Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
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Reapply every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating.
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Pay special attention to vulnerable areas: nose, ears, collarbone, shoulders, top of feet, and lips.
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Keep sunscreen out of your eyes.
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Children younger than 6 months should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. Dress babies in sun-protective clothing and a hat.
Other Sun Protection Tips
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Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants with UV protection.
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Use sunglasses with UV filters and a wide-brimmed hat.
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Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Medication and Sun Sensitivity
Certain medications, like tetracycline and diuretics, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.
What to Do for a Sunburn
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Take a cool bath or shower.
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Apply moisturizer with aloe vera.
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Drink extra fluids.
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Protect your skin while it heals.
🧒 Sun Precautions for Children
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Babies under 6 months: Avoid direct sun exposure.
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Children older than 6 months: Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that is water-resistant. Reapply every two hours or after swimming.
🛟 Take These Water Safety Steps
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Use layers of protection: barriers to restrict water access, life jackets, and constant supervision.
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Teach your family to swim and gain water competency (entering the water, floating, treading water, swimming a distance, and exiting safely).
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Know how to respond to emergencies: Call for help, perform safe rescues, and know CPR.
🌴 Enjoy the Delaware Beaches Safely
Whether you’re relaxing on the sand, playing in the surf, or soaking up the sunshine, a little preparation makes all the difference. Respect the ocean’s power, protect your skin, and always keep a watchful eye on those around you.
Stay safe—and have a fantastic summer on Delaware’s beautiful shores!
