Beach Safety Tips Every Family Should Know

The beach is one of the safest places to vacation — as long as you respect the ocean. After 50+ years of watching families enjoy our beach, we’ve learned what keeps everyone safe and happy. Here’s what every family should know.

Understanding the Ocean

Rip Currents

Rip currents are the number one beach hazard. They’re channels of water flowing away from shore that can pull even strong swimmers out.

How to spot them:

• A channel of churning, choppy water
• A line of foam or debris moving seaward
• A break in the wave pattern

If caught in a rip current:

1. Don’t panic — Stay calm
2. Don’t fight it — Don’t try to swim directly back to shore
3. Swim parallel — Swim along the shore until you’re out of the current
4. Then swim in — Once free, swim diagonally toward shore
5. Float if tired — If you can’t swim, float and wave for help

Prevention: Swim near lifeguards and ask them about conditions before entering.

Wave Safety

Wildwood beaches can have strong waves, especially after storms.

• Never turn your back on the ocean
• Hold children’s hands in the surf
• Watch for “sneaker waves” — larger waves that come unexpectedly
• Boogie board safely — Keep the leash on and ride waves toward shore

Lifeguards Are Your Friends

Wildwood beaches have professional lifeguards during summer months.

Always:

• Swim near a lifeguard stand
• Obey their instructions immediately
• Ask about current conditions
• Know the flag warning system:
  • Green — Calm conditions
  • Yellow — Moderate hazard
  • Red — High hazard, no swimming
  • Double Red — Beach closed

Tell lifeguards:

• If you’re watching children alone
• If your child is a weak swimmer
• About any medical conditions

Sun Safety

The beach sun is intense. Sunburn can happen in as little as 15 minutes.

Sunscreen Rules

• Apply 30 minutes before going outside
• Reapply every 2 hours — and immediately after swimming
• Use SPF 30 or higher — SPF 50 for kids and fair skin
• Don’t forget: Ears, feet, back of knees, and scalp (or wear a hat)
• Water resistant ≠ waterproof — You still need to reapply

Beat the Strongest Sun

• Seek shade between 10am-4pm
• Use umbrellas or tents
• Wear UV-protective clothing
• Take indoor breaks

Signs of Sunburn

• Pink or red skin (appears 2-6 hours after exposure)
• Skin that’s hot to touch
• Pain or tenderness

If someone gets sunburned, get them out of the sun, apply aloe vera, drink water, and take cool showers.

Water Safety for Kids

General Rules

• Constant supervision — Don’t rely on lifeguards alone
• Arm’s reach — Stay within arm’s reach of non-swimmers
• No running — Wet sand and boardwalks are slippery
• Buddy system — Kids should swim with a partner

Flotation Devices

• Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for weak swimmers
• Water wings and pool toys are NOT safety devices
• Puddle jumpers offer good support for toddlers

Teaching Ocean Respect

Help kids understand:

• The ocean is not a pool — it’s powerful
• Waves can knock you down
• Never swim alone
• It’s okay to be nervous — the ocean deserves respect

Heat Safety

Beach days can lead to heat exhaustion if you’re not careful.

Prevention:

• Drink water constantly — more than you think you need
• Eat regular meals and snacks
• Take breaks in the shade or indoors
• Avoid alcohol in the hot sun

Signs of heat exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache

If someone shows these signs, get them to shade, give them water, and cool them with wet towels. Seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve.

Other Beach Hazards

Jellyfish

Occasional visitors to our beaches. If stung:

• Rinse with seawater (not fresh water)
• Remove tentacles with tweezers
• Apply vinegar if available
• Seek medical help for severe reactions

Sharp Shells

• Wear water shoes in the shallows
• Watch where you step
• Clean cuts immediately

Hot Sand

• Bring sandals for the walk to the water
• Test the sand before kids run on it

Emergency Preparedness

Know your location: Beach blocks in Wildwood are numbered. Know which block you’re near.

Keep phones accessible: In a waterproof pouch, charged, with emergency contacts.

Basic first aid kit:

• Band-aids
• Antiseptic wipes
• Aloe vera
• Pain reliever
• Any personal medications

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The Bottom Line

The ocean is wonderful — that’s why we live here! But it demands respect. By following these safety tips, you’ll ensure your family has nothing but happy beach memories.

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Stay with us at The American Inn, and you’re steps from a lifeguard-protected beach with easy access back to your room if anyone needs a break. Book your stay and enjoy peace of mind.