26 May Beach Safety Tips
By Natalie Warner
Venture around Panama, and you’ll find some amazing beaches. Playa Venao is known as a popular surfing spot. Windsurfers from around the world visit Punta Chame to kite surf. Others visit the beach for a tranquil dose of vitamin sea. In fact, go on the right day, and you may be the only one on the beach. We all have our reasons for wanting to get our feet sandy. Here are some tips to ensure your trip to the beach is safe and enjoyable.
Be responsible.
Panama can get hot! We are in a tropical climate after all. Many of us enjoy a nice cold beer on a hot day. Just remember to drink responsibly. Also, despite what some may say, beer does not equal water. Pack some water with you to prevent dehydration.
Also remember to bring a friend or two. Create fun memories while at the beach. After all, who better to cheer you on when you stand on your paddleboard for the first time? There is safety and fun in numbers.
Leave only your footprints.
Cliché? Perhaps. True? You betcha! Keep Panama’s beaches beautiful. Remember to bring your trash with you. It is easy to tie a trash bag or grocery store bag to your cooler or place one in your backpack. You’re not only preventing other people from stepping/swimming in your garbage, but you’re also doing your part in keeping it away from wildlife.
Do the shuffle.
Yes, I know, the actual lyrics are “do the hustle.” But it’s still catchy–and true. There are lots of sea animals that love resting on the ocean floor. Shuffling your feet does not only prevent you from getting stung by a potentially scared sting ray, but can also prevent injury to marine life.
Be aware of tides. Know how to get out of rip currents.
What is a rip current? In essence, it is a channel of water that flows away from the shoreline and out to sea. Some currents can be stronger and faster than others. They can be difficult consistently identify. One way to spot them is by looking at any spots where the waves aren’t breaking.
There is nothing like initially wading around in mid waste deep water and then suddenly realizing that you can no longer touch the ocean floor. Yep, you’re in a rip current.
- Breath. Do not panic. After all, you’ve got your friends to help you out if needed, right?
- Swim parallel the shoreline (swimming along the shoreline) until you no longer feel like you are drifting further away. Most rip currents are less than 24m (80ft) wide.
- Avoid swimming toward the shore. Fighting the current will only exhaust you.
- Once out of the rip current, swim toward shore. Once there, take a breather and pat yourself on the back for not panicking.
Sun protection is your friend
Nothing says you’ve been playing out in the sun without something with SPF like bright red skin. Did you know the strongest ultraviolet rays are when it’s overcast outside? Clouds magnify ultraviolet rays, increasing risk for sunburn.
Local grocery stores sell a variety of common sunblock brands, including Banana Boat, Coppertone, and Neutragena. Arrocha and Organica sell more specialized sunscreens. Remember to apply regularly!
Rash guards, hats, and sunglasses also provide protection from the sun. Rash guards are typically rated with an SPF rating, although any shirt is better than nothing, if you are looking to cover your chest and shoulders. You can find rash guards in several stores around Coronado, including Ollie next to Do It Center, and Machetazo.
Exploring Panama’s beaches and oceans can be exciting. It seems like the possibilities are endless when exploring new activities. Be safe and have fun!