Summer Beach Hazards

ACWORTH, Georgia. Of the hazards you’ll encounter on the beach, drowning remains among one of the major dangers. Whether you’re swimming in the pool or beach, knowledge of water safety is power. When people don’t know how to swim or don’t know how to handle rip currents, they can suffer serious injuries or death. Yet, there are other hazards that the beach poses, especially in the summer when crowds flock to the shore.

Vice recently reported on a woman who was impaled by a beach umbrella. When the wind picked up, the beach umbrella became dislodged from the sand and flew through the air, impaling a woman in her ankle. While it might sound like a freak accident, the injury is becoming more common. Vice reported that it happened twice in recent weeks; the second time in Maryland where the umbrella impaled a woman in her chest.

Lifeguards report that the injuries are rare but they do happen about once a year. A man lost an eye when an umbrella became airborne in Delaware and another woman died from similar injuries. These injuries may be becoming more common as more people flock to the beach during the warmer months.

So, what can you do to stay safe on the beach? According to the Red Cross, swimming in the ocean is very different than swimming in a pool or lake or even a river. Swim in a beach protected by a life guard and learn about rip current safety. If you become caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until the water calms. Trying to swim against a rip current is virtually impossible. Try to tread water and remain calm while calling for help if trapped by a rip.

If going to the beach with children, children should be watched at all times. Children should also be warned against diving into water because they could encounter shallow water which can result in serious injuries or death.

Individuals are warned against swimming alone and swimming after drinking.

Finally, if you plan to use a jet ski on the water, make sure to take a safety course and watch out for others in the water. Jet skis and other motorized water vessels can be just as dangerous as a car accident after a crash. Victims can suffer additional serious injuries if they hit their head and are unable to swim after an accident.

Stay safe in and around the water this summer. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident around the water, you may have certain rights under the law. Amanda Hall Injury Law is a personal injury attorney in Acworth, Georgia who protects the rights of individuals and families after they have been hurt due to the neglect or negligence of anoter person or party. Visit our firm to learn more. If you have been hurt, you may have the right to seek damages for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation expenses.

Amanda Hall Injury Law
Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 200
Woodstock, GA 30188
678-445-7423