Summer is here and for many families that means it’s time to hit the beach!
Now you can enjoy North Haven Beach as the sun goes down too. The Camden Haven Surf Club is opening their doors and the Life Members’ Bar between 4pm and 8pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings during the summer holidays. Enjoy a tipple or two, some nibbles and sit on the deck over looking the beach.
It’s the perfect way to finish a day in the surf, and your bar and food purchases will help the surf club raise vital funds for safety equipment to help the volunteer members keep the beach safe. During summer holidays, the beach will be patrolled between 9am and 4pm.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when enjoying a day in the sun, surf and sand.
- Always look for a patrolled beach where lifeguards are on duty and swim between the red and yellow flags as they mark the safest place to swim.
- Look and take notice of any signs at the beach and ask a lifeguard if you are not sure what they mean.
- Swim with a friend - never surf or swim alone.
- Never enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol or are under the influence of drugs.
- Learn how to identify a rip.
- If you get into trouble, stay calm, raise your arm above your head and call for help.
While lifeguards watch over you and your family at the beach, children need constant parent/adult supervision. Even if they are confident swimmers you should:
- Keep young children in arms' reach at all times.
- Identify an easy to find point, such as the lifeguard tower, where your child can go if you become separated.
- Ensure they learn to swim from an early age.
Another important safety precaution is making sure that you and your family are protected against the sun’s harmful rays. UV radiation levels are at their highest in December, January and February. For the best sun protection remember to:
- SLIP on some clothing.
- SLOP on sunscreen - Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or more if swimming.
- SLAP on a hat.
- SLIDE on some sunglasses
- SEEK some shade.
- Stay hydrated - always take a bottle of water.
