How You Can Stay Safe While Swimming in the Ocean

Don't let fear of the ocean prevent you from enjoying your get-a-way or upcoming family vacation. With these five helpful tips you'll be more then prepared for the hazards of ocean swimming.

1. FIRST THINGS FIRST: ALWAYS WEAR SUN PROTECTION

When spending a day at the beach it's crucial to ensure that you and your loved ones are fully protected from harmful UV rays. This not only makes for a more enjoyable beach day; but also helps in preventing sun related conditions, such as skin cancer. The most common issue with Sun Protection clothing is the lack of color and design; that's why at Tutublue we've developed trendy and figuring complimenting designs for Women, Men, and children of all ages and sizes.

2. RESPECT THE OCEAN

Be sure of your swimming abilities, the open ocean is different from the pool. It’s important to go to a beach with lifeguards and abide by the rules. Tides change every day and the coastline is so unpredictable, so be alert and listen to expert advice. Swim between the red and yellow flags – the lifeguards set them every day to decide the appropriate area to swim. Do your tide research and don't swim alone, always take a friend with you.

3.  LEARN ABOUT THE CONDITIONS OF THE OCEAN BEFORE GOING IN

Study and pay attention to the news or other signs that point you to the conditions of the water. Warnings of rip tides, high winds, weather shifts, shark sightings, and more can occur without warning; so it's so important to always be negligent and stay tuned in to some type of weather or news outlet.

4. BEWARE OF RIP TIDES

A rip tide forms when wind and breaking waves propel surface water towards the beach, thus increasing the volume of water. This excess water will tend to flow back to the open water via the route of least resistance and pull unknowing swimmers out into open water with relative ease.

Causes and occurrence. A rip current forms because wind and breaking waves push surface water towards the land, and this causes a slight rise in the water level along the shore. This excess water will tend to flow back to the open water via the route of least resistance.

5. BEWARE OF SHARKS

The majority of people associate the ocean with three things swimming, the beach, and sharks. Though one of the most dangerous predators in the sea; sharks do not naturally hunt for humans "contrary to popular belief" the majority of shark attacks are actually on accident and the attack is typically attributed to low visibility in the water. During these times of low visibility sharks may bump or bite to test if what they're making contact with is food. This does not apply to all sharks though; bull, tiger, and Great Whites have been shown to be the most aggressive of all species of shark; with Great Whites leading the way in unprovoked attacks. The key to shark safety is vigilance and swimming with a group or partner.

In short, safety when swimming, especially in the ocean is incredibly important; but you can only do so much to ensure your safety. There's always a risk when entering a world that is not your own, the key to staying safe is by being vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

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