Recently there have been many incidences in the news about
people drowning on the Konkan beaches. It suddenly started appearing as
if these beaches are unsafe for tourists. Many people are questioning about the
safety of Konkan beaches.
Are these beautiful beaches really so dangerous? Should
tourists stay away from them? As our business ( hotel ) is closely related to tourism,
we thought that we may throw some light on this issue. So here are some tips to
enjoy your time on the Konkan beaches safely.
1. Understand the real cause behind beach accidents
Although there are natural causes like underwater currents
that we don’t have direct control over; most of the mishaps can be avoided if
people understand the real reasons behind them and take some safety measures
against them.
When people visit beaches, they are usually with their
family or friends. While elders in the family normally warn their kids and
youngsters against going deep into the sea water, this is often not the case
when these kids are with friends of their age-group.
Young people naturally love the thrill of diving into the
sea water. However, in the feat of enthusiasm, these youngsters often misjudge
the might of the ocean waves. Particularly during the high-tide, these waves
have a formidable power that can wash away even a strong person in the blink of
an eye. Going deep into the sea for a swim during such times can prove to be a
fatal and foolish adventure and must be cautioned against.
2. Learn to swim
You must know how to swim before even thinking about stepping
into the sea. Learn swimming in shallow waters first before you try your skills
against the deeper ocean waves. Swimming in the sea-water is not the same as
swimming in a safe and controlled environment of a swimming pool. So although
you have learnt swimming in a pool, you should gain some amount of experience of
swimming in the sea water.
3. Know about the local weather
You should learn about the weather before going for a swim
in the sea. You can get information about the weather conditions during that
particular time of the year or season from locals like fishermen, local
authorities or the weather department. You can also use some reliable online
resources for your research. Avoid going for a swim when the weather is cloudy,
windy and the ocean is turbulent.
4. Watch for underwater currents
These are one of the most common causes behind the
accidents that take place on some beaches. These currents can pull a person
away from the shore and cause him or her to drown. Stay away from swimming at
such places. Stay at least about 100 meters away from a jetty as the
possibility of underwater currents is more in such regions.
5. Avoid swimming during high-tides
Although it may sound like more thrill to dive into the
ocean when the water is on the rise; it can be a dangerous time to do so.
During high-tides, the level of the sea rises and the waves reach far onto the
shore. And when these waves go back, they can have a strong pulling power that
can cause one to lose control and drown. It is therefore best to steer clear of
the ocean water during high-tides.
6. Never swim alone
Avoid swimming alone in the sea and go for a swim only
when there are friends with you. This way you can have some help if some
unwanted incidence happens. Make sure that these friends themselves are adept at swimming in the sea water. And even if you go alone, make sure that there
are people around on the beach so that you might find help if you get into some
trouble.
7. Swim sober
Don’t ever try to swim when you are under the influence of
alcohol. This can be a fatal mistake and cause you your precious life. Just as while driving, be sober
while swimming. This way you will not only be safe but also be able to enjoy
your swim more.
8. Don’t swim after a heavy meal
The body tends to be lethargic after a heavy meal as the
blood flow is more to the digestive organs than to the muscles. This is the
time to enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach or rest on the soft sand. This is certainly not the best
time to test your strength against the tides.
9. Don’t swim when you are tired or ill
Although beach is a great place to relax your body and
mind and wash away your tiredness; you should never enter the ocean water when
your body is tired, sick or weak. Your body should have enough strength and stamina
to face the tides and swim back to the shore. Always go for a swim in the sea
when you are physically and mentally in a strong and healthy condition.
10. Keep a close watch on kids
Small kids can be particularly vulnerable to such mishaps
on the beaches as they lack the strength to withstand the force of the waves
even on the shore. It is therefore important to keep a close watch on them and
accompany them while they play in the sea water.
If you will remember these tips and take the suggested
precautions, your time on the magnificent Konkan beaches will be totally safe
and enjoyable.
Hope you enjoyed the article and found the tips useful. Do you have any suggestions about
beach safety to share with others? Please go ahead and write them in the
comments below.
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