West Manatee Fire Rescue wants beachgoers to be safe while enjoying the sun, surf and sand.
“I urge all residents and visitors using our beaches to enjoy themselves this year while taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children,” administrative assistant Mary Stephens said, reading a proclamation during the May 21 WMFR Commission meeting on behalf of chairman David Bishop. The proclamation declared May 24-31 as Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness Week in the district.
Beach Safety Week is an initiative of WMFR, designed to help educate visitors about how to stay safe in the water and in the sun.
The program is helmed by Commissioner Randy Cooper. Since the inception of the program, Cooper has developed pamphlets and bookmarks explaining rip currents and how to read the advisory flags posted at lifeguard stations. The materials are distributed to area businesses and hotels to be shared with guests. Cooper also is working with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce to have materials and beach safety posters placed on island trolleys.
“Beach Safety Week is a public safety reminder,” Bishop said. WMFR is encouraging beachgoers throughout the year to be aware of their surroundings. Some of the suggestions include wearing sunscreen, wearing a life jacket or other flotation device while on boats or in deep water and learning how to swim. Another suggestion is to swim near a lifeguard or with a buddy.
Visitors also are encouraged to learn about rip currents, strong currents of water that move away from the shore. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, swimmers caught in a rip current are encouraged to swim to the sides with the current and then back to shore. If the swimmer can’t get out of the current, it is advised to tread water or float along with the current until it breaks, and then swim to the side and back to shore. Swimmers should wave their arms and call out for help if assistance is needed.
National Beach Safety and Rip Current Awareness Week is June 1-7.