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Page 54
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
September 13, 2013
GUARDING THE BEACH
Critical Safety Rule In OC Is Swim Near A Lifeguard
OCEAN CITY – Swim near a lifeguard is a common message at a beach, but the more appropriate message is to swim in front of a Surf Rescue Technician (lifeguard) in a stand. It is probably the simplest yet one of the most important pieces of information the Ocean City Beach Patrol can give to people and following this advice is the most important step beach patrons can take to ensure safety for themselves, their friends and their family. It all sounds simple, but the number of people who swim without a surf rescue technician (lifeguard) on duty is astounding or choose to re-enter the ocean after the SRT has called everyone out at 5:25 and warned them of the dangers of swimming without lifeguards. In fact, many of our most serious incidents occur either before we come on duty at 10 a.m. or in the evenings after we are off duty at 5:30. Unfortunately, many of these incidents have been serious medical emergencies or drowning situations that would have been easily handled by the lifeguard if the victims had followed this one piece of advice. Nationally, statistics reflect large numbers of drowning fatalities on unguarded beaches. Although not on an ocean beach, there has been a sharp increase in the number of drowning deaths throughout Maryland this past summer and everyone is reminded to be cautious when participating in any water sports and take all necessary precautions. Throughout Ocean City, lifeguard stands are positioned about one or two blocks apart (further in late August and September). When you come to the beach, be sure to find the closest lifeguard and talk to that lifeguard to find on the stands, we still need your help. If out about current conditions and where you are not a highly skilled swimmer the best place to swim is. with ocean experience, remain close to The lifeguard can alert you to any rip shore. It takes even the fastest runner currents (third leading cause of weathand swimmer some time to get to you er-related deaths) or other hazards. Reand the further out you are in trouble, member to introduce your children to the more time it takes for us to the lifeguard so that they know help you. who to go to in an emergency. And always remember, “Keep Never rely on an artificial floyour feet in the sand until the tation device in place of actual lifeguard’s in the stand.” swimming ability. These devices just give swimmers a false CAPTAIN’S NOTE: Every sense of security, because in member of the beach patrol is the surf that flotation could be fully tested and certified before lost and suddenly make the usthey ever have the privilege of er an actively drowning victim. guarding you or your loved The ocean and beach are ones. In fact, the bottom line RYAN COWDER wonderful places to enjoy a summer that determines if I offer them a job is a day, just remember that the ocean is positive response to the question: not the same as a neighborhood pool. “Would I trust them to guard someone Our first priority is to keep all beach pain my family?” trons safe, but we cannot control the However, even with the most highly ocean. When hazards exist where peoqualified and expertly trained lifeguards ple are swimming, it is our job to guide them out of harm’s way or when necessary to swim out and assist them back to safety. Our job is made easier when we have their patience, understanding and assistance. Remember, if you hear a whistle take the time to stop what you are doing and look toward the SRT who is attempting to get someone’s attention. – Ryan Cowder Special To The Dispatch (The writer has been with the Beach Patrol for 15 years and is currently a sergeant. He is an assistant principal at Stephen Decatur High School.)
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