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1. Dress in layers. The weather can change drastically along the coast, from sun to fog in just a few minutes. When the fog rolls in and the wind kicks up, the temperature can drop as much as 30 degrees. Be sure to have a sweatshirt handy even on sunny, summer days. The fog generally clears between noon and 2 p.m., but nothing is certain.
2. Wear sunscreen. It’s easy to get sunburned whiling away the day at the beach. Even if it’s foggy, you can get sunburned and not know it.
3. Be careful of rip tides. Several beaches along the Monterey Bay have strong rip tides. A rip tide pulls sand, toys, even people out to sea when conditions are right. If caught in a rip tide, don’t tire yourself swimming against the current, but angle yourself to swim parallel and then back toward shore.
4. Watch for large waves. Waves are not all the same size and the rhythm of sea brings in a big one every set or so. Big waves seem to come out of nowhere, knocking down small children at the shore and sweeping people off cliffs into hard-to-rescue situations. People die each year along the coast because they wander too far out on the cliffs and are swept away. Heed warning signs.
5. Wear foot protection. Those acres of sand invite toes to sink down deep, but be careful Sadly, many people leave trash, broken glass, cigarette butts, hot coals and animal waste littered along the beach. They are hidden accidents waiting to happen. Wear some type of foot protection for the bottoms of your feet. Also, that sand can get mighty hot.
6. Be courteous. Remember that you share the beach with others. Don’t turn up the music too loudly, let your animal run over sunbathers or leave your trash behind. Follow the Golden Rule and treat others how you wish to be treated
7. Watch your children closely. The beach can be a new environment for children and carries some risk. Keep children away from surf-casting fishermen, cliff edges, caves and standing water. Accompany your small children into the water, even if it’s shallow.
8. Know the tides. If exploring tide pools, watch for slippery rocks, big waves and incoming tide. You can be cut off from shore by a rising tide.
9. Beware of stingrays, jellyfish. Do not swim near or step on stingrays and jellyfish, even if washed up on the beach. Seek medical attention if stung. See Ocean Safety
10. Be prepared to climb down, and back up, stairs and paths leading to beaches. The Monterey Bay is surrounded by cliffs where land meets sea.
Ocean Safety....
- Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim adults and children. There are swimming courses available for people of any age and swimming ability. Visit your Red Cross.
Stay within the designated swimming area, ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard.
- Never swim alone under any circumstances.
- Check the surf conditions before you enter the water. Check to see if a warning flag is up or check with a lifeguard for water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.
- Stay away from piers, pilings, and diving platforms when in the water.
- Keep a lookout for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants. Leave animals alone.
- Make sure you always have enough energy to swim back to shore.
- Don’t try to swim against a current if caught in one. Swim gradually out of the current, by swimming across it.
Keeping Children Safe In, On, and Around the Water....
- Maintain constant supervision always. Watch children around any water environment (pool, stream, lake, tub, toilet, bucket of water), no matter what skills your child has acquired and no matter how shallow the water accidents do happen.
- Don't rely on substitutes. The use of flotation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.
- Enroll children in a water safety course or Learn to Swim program. Your decision to provide your child with an early aquatic experience is a gift that will have infinite rewards. These courses encourage safe practices.
- Parents should take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important around the water and you will expand your capabilities in providing care for your child. You can contact your local Red Cross for available courses.
Surfing....
- Take lessons from an experienced person.
- Wear a wet suit when in cold water.
- Never surf alone.
- The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any water sport.
- Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming, boating or any activities on the water as soon as you see or hear a storm. Also, heavy rains can make certain areas dangerous.
Protect your Camera....
Avoid holiday accidents
Digital camera make great travel companions. It loves going to all the places I do and never complains. And that's just the way I want it to stay. That's why when I take my camera to the beach, I take some simple precautions.
1. Protect your camera
Some of the best photos you'll ever take are those impromptu shots of people just relaxing and having fun. When you're on the beach think about placing it under a towel to keep it cool.
2. Sand still showing up everywhere?
For us it's annoying. For a camera, it can be very damaging. Try a plain old plastic bag. Just make a small hole for the lens and you're ready for any weather condition.
Suggestions for traveling safely with your camera:
- Store everything in a padded case with a good strap
- Use lens caps when your not using your camera
- Bring additional supplies to clean both the camera and its lens
- Always keep your camera equipment as hand luggage
- Never stray too far from your camera
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