National Beach Safety Week

National Beach Safety Week Op-Ed

By Gus Avila

“Rip currents claim numerous lives each year, making awareness and education vital in preventing tragedies.”

School commencements have begun, and thoughts are surely turning to the approaching Memorial Day holiday, which signals to many beachgoers the unofficial start of summer when millions flock to our local beaches.

In an effort to help ensure beachgoers have a safe day at the beach, the California Surf Lifesaving Association (CSLSA) participates in National Beach Safety Week from May 20-27, 2024.

National Beach Safety Week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of understanding the dangers present at beaches, particularly rip currents. This annual event aims to educate beachgoers on how to stay safe and enjoy their time by and in the water.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing away from the shore and one of the most significant hazards at beaches worldwide. They can catch even the most experienced swimmers off guard, pulling them into deeper water.

Over 80% of rescues by CSLSA Lifeguards at ocean beaches are caused by rip currents that would otherwise claim numerous lives each year, making awareness and education vital in preventing tragedies.

During the year, our large CSLSA membership of professional open water and ocean lifeguards tirelessly serve our communities to reduce the number of accidents at our rivers, lakes, and beaches.

But despite trained lifeguard shortages and a growing population that has not learned to swim, because of their vigilance, thousands of lives are saved annually by our CSLSA Lifeguards. But we cannot do it alone.

As part of National Beach Safety Week (and throughout the year) our CSLSA members collaborate with other stakeholders to spread awareness about rip currents and other beach safety tips. We promote educational programs, distribute informational materials, and utilize social media platforms to reach a wide audience.

Beyond rip currents, beach safety also encompasses sun protection, hydration, and general awareness of hazards such as submerged objects and dangerous marine life.

The CSLSA partners with Hoag Hospital’s “Project Wipeout” to educate young beachgoers regarding the potential dangers that exist at our beaches and open bodies of water, and the types of traumatic injuries that can occur.

Our “Talk To A Lifeguard” effort encourages beachgoers to make contact with the on-duty lifeguard who is undoubtedly the best resource for current ocean conditions and hazards.

Also, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation “Block The Blaze” program provides skin-cancer awareness to our CSLSA affiliated junior lifeguard programs during the summer, educating more than 20,000 participants in cancer prevention and recognition.

The “SoCal Paddledown for Cancer Relay” initiative engages CSLSA Lifeguard agencies from Northern California to the Mexico border to bring the skin cancer awareness message to each jurisdiction through its 250-mile paddleboard relay race.

Our CSLSA Surf Lifesaving Championships is the largest lifeguard and junior lifeguard competition on the West Coast. It is scheduled for July 26-27, 2024, at Dockweiler Beach in Los Angeles. The event, which is open to the public, tests the lifesaving skills of hundreds of professional ocean lifeguards and junior lifeguards in a highly competitive environment.

We recently presented Medal of Valor Awards to ocean lifeguards who rescued swimmers in distress despite personal risk to themselves. While the awards recognized the bravery of the lifeguards, it also serves as a reminder that we all should respect the power of the ocean.

Beachgoers can have a safe and enjoyable summer by following these CSLSA Top Ten Safety Tips:

• Always Swim Near A Lifeguard

• Learn To Swim

• Learn Rip Current Safety

• Never Swim Alone

• Designate A Water Watcher

• Alcohol and Water Don’t Mix

• Feet First Water Entry

• Life Jackets Save Lives

• Observe Signs and Flags

• Beat the Heat and Block the Sun

It is the mission of the CSLSA to play a vital role in reducing beach-related accidents and fatalities through public education.

Through increased awareness and by following proactive safety measures, beachgoers can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf responsibly.

# # # #

Gus Avila is President of the CSLSA, a non-profit professional organization whose mission is to promote beach safety awareness and professional open-water lifesaving standards based in Huntington Beach. It is the largest trade group of professional lifeguards in the nation. More info: cslsa.org.

**Photo credit and artwork: @CSLSA; used with permission.