VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer season, the city of Virginia Beach is prioritizing the safety of residents and visitors by updating them on safety tips while at the beach.
Top 10 Water Safety Tips:
- 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
- Lifejackets save lives
- Observe signs and flags
- Beat the heat and block the sun
“So, [the] biggest thing you can do for water safety is try to swim near a lifeguard,” said Timothy Reibel Jr., a Virginia Beach EMS paramedic. “And in addition to that, if you can’t get a swim buddy, have somebody to watch over just in case you need some help.”
Some other tips include learning rip current safety, not swimming more than 50 yards from the high tide mark, feet-first water entry and observing signs and flags.
“In Virginia Beach, we fly red flags,” Riebel said. “Those days are specifically higher surf, higher currents and a higher chance of rip currents.”
Riebel said his team’s staff is full and ready for the upcoming season.
“All the lifeguards are given an advanced first aid course, and our supervisors have an EMT as well,” Riebel said. “So they have, not only preventative training, they also have response training as well for medical emergencies and in water emergencies.”
Beachgoers say they’ll be paying attention to the tips and regulations while also remaining cautious of any potential dangers.
“Know your limits,” said beachgoer Mike Schmitz. “I think if you’re a good swimmer, don’t get out too deep. I enjoy body surfing. It can be a lot of fun. But yeah, it can be dangerous, too.”
To learn more about beach rules and regulations in Virginia Beach, click here.
