Avoiding Vacation Injuries and Staying Safe
June 21st marks the first day of summer. Now that your kids are home until fall, take time to create special memories. Throughout the United States there are hundreds of vacation destinations. Check out US News’ Best Family Vacations in the USA list for ideas!
Whether you are traveling far or staying local, if you’re planning a great day at the beach, keep in mind the following:
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Protect Yourself from the Sun at the Beach
Sunscreen is imperative to prevent melanoma, skin irritation and sunburn from prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays. Take the time to determine the best SPF for you and your family. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you use at least an SPF 30 and re-apply regularly every two hours to protect your skin. If you are swimming, make sure you choose a waterproof lotion. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses, and your head by wearing a wide-brim hat. Don‘t forget your feet and the back of your neck! Having a sunburn is not the way you want to remember your day at the beach. Children and adults should wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and use sunscreen on all exposed skin.
Before the Beach: Pack Your Cooler the Right Way
Staying hydrated is key to being able to enjoy your fun in the sun. Drink lots of water and avoid sugar-filled drinks. Pack lightly! Anything you bring to the beach should be disposed of in provided receptacles or brought home. Avoid bringing plastic and glass bottles, as they are harmful to marine life.
At the Beach: Safeguard Your Valuables
Protecting your belongings while at the beach can be troublesome due to the actions of others. Often times, people hide their purse and wallets in the trunk of their car, but this is not always the best course of action. Many options to disguise your property are available for purchase, but one of our favorite hiding spots is in the cooler. Place your wallet and keys inside a waterproof bag, and put it on top of the ice or between your sandwiches.
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Before the Beach: Avoid Water Injuries with Swimming Lessons
Ensure your family’s safety and enroll in swimming classes from professionals. Teaching your children while they’re young to float, paddle and swim in a pool can build confidence for beach days. Swimming is a great low impact exercise for all ages. The chance of injuries while swimming can be reduced when someone develops strong swimming skills thanks to proper instruction.
Before the Beach: Learn About Safety Warnings
Check with your local government to see what rules apply for weather conditions, tide changes, lifeguard stations, and parking fees. Most beaches implement a Flag based warning system. These flags can change throughout the day, so be sure to check the beach entrance or ask an employee. For more information, check out these resources: The National Weather Service and the United States Lifesaving Association.
At the Beach: Respecting Marine Life to Avoid Injury
Be on the lookout for stingrays, jellyfish, sharks and other sea creatures that grace our shorelines. Majestic and fearful of humans, these animals typically do not want to attack us, however, if they feel threatened they will react negatively. Keep in mind that the water is their home, and you are just visiting. Leave the beach cleaner than when you arrived. Pick up after yourself, and scan the area to see if there are any bottles, cans or trash that others forgot to take care of.
Beach safety and fun in the sun can go hand in hand if you prepare ahead of time. Remember to wear sunscreen, pack a refreshing cooler and slip into your beach outfit so sun-kissed bliss will be yours! The beach waves are waiting for you. Traveling with family and friends takes coordination, but the memories you’ll have are timeless.
Viles & Beckman Vacation Injury Attorneys
Millions of people flock to Florida in droves to enjoy a vacation on our sandy beaches and warm waters. Florida makes over $40 billion dollars every year off of tourism and it is by far the largest source of income for the state. While there is much fun in the sun to be had there is also the risk for injury. Vacation injuries are always unexpected and can easily turn someone’s life upside down with expensive medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering that comes as a result.
Viles & Beckman specializes in assisting those that have suffered injuries on vacation due to a liable party’s negligence. With a personal injury claim, you can help ensure that those whose negligence caused your injuries are held accountable for their actions. When you hire the attorney’s of Viles & Beckman to take on your case you are ensuring that your case gets the attention and expert handling that it deserves from attorneys with years of experience getting satisfying settlements for claimants like you.
Injured in a Boating Accident this summer? We are only a call away! Contact us at (239) 334-3933.
About the Author of this Page: The above information was written or reviewed by one of the attorneys at Viles & Beckman LLC who have a combined experience of nearly 60 years: Marcus Viles, Michael Beckman. The information provided in this article comes from years of experience trying legal cases outside and inside courtrooms throughout Florida along with extensive research.
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