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General Safety Issues

VACATIONING FUN ON THE WATER IN SOUTH CAROLINA: KEEP IT SAFE! (GUEST POST)

Vacationing Fun On The Water in South Carolina: Keep It Safe

People all over America sometimes spend months at a time saving money just to afford a trip to the beach. For residents of South Carolina, however, this “saving” period often just involves filling up the gas tank and heading off. This is because, even in the most remote areas of the state, South Carolinians are usually no more than 100 miles away from the nearest waterway. The choice of places to go and activities to enjoy is nearly endless, but it’s also important for an individual or family to know how to stay safe while enjoying the waters of the Palmetto State.

Places to Go

There are an abundance of water sources that South Carolina residents can enjoy. To the east and easily accessible to those who live in the southern parts of the state is the great Atlantic Ocean. Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are all popular destinations, but these beaches aren’t the only ones that people can enjoy. Those in the Midlands can spend their time at Lake Murray or head south to Lake Marion or Lake Moultrie. 

Residents up north also have a few options. Depending on where an individual resides, they are likely to be close to either Strom Thurmond Lake, Fishing Creek Lake or Wateree Lake. Many people even have fun at the smaller Monticello Reservoir after a few activities at the Sumter National Forest. It may seem unfair for South Carolina to have so many options while other states have so few, but with the humid summers that the state faces, many would agree that these waterways are well-deserved.

What to Do

There’s no shortage of things to do in, on and even above the waters of South Carolina. Those who visit the ocean can partake in surfing, scuba diving, parasailing and kite boarding, just to name a few. Those who end up at the state’s lakes can also enjoy fun events like jet skiing, waterskiing and tubing. Many of these activities can likewise be enjoyed on the state’s rivers along with kayaking and white water rafting. In addition, all of these places are great spots for fishing and swimming. There’s literally a little something for everyone to do. 

Staying Safe

Having fun in and on the water is all well and good, but it’s important for a person to take a few safety precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them. Unfortunately, even when proper precautions are taken, the negligence of others can cause injuries to even the safest of water-goers. This should remain an important consideration when enjoying oneself. 

  • Never consume alcohol while swimming, driving boats or in any water activities.
  • Keep an eye on children at all time. Young children aren’t strong swimmers and should always wear floatation devices.
  • Life vests should be worn by everyone on a boat, regardless of how well they swim.
  • Follow instructor directions when undertaking any special water sport (ie. parasailing, scuba diving).
  • Be aware of undertow which is a current under the surface of the ocean moving in the differing way to the surface current, usually away from the shore.
  • Never swim alone.

When another person causes an accident through negligence, it’s important for the victim to seek immediate medical attention and contact a personal injury attorney Charleston SC based or an advocate in any area of the state. This is less about a free payday and more about covering medical bills and losses. Accidents on the water can be detrimental; usually more detrimental than those on land. This can lead to serious injuries, property damage and even death. Without legal help, the victim of a waterway accident may suffer physically, emotionally and financially for the rest of their lives.

There is never a shortage of water activities to take up a person’s time while in South Carolina. From the South Carolina/Georgia border all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, residents and visitors have their pick of excitement. It’s important to remember, however, that safety should always come first. If an individual acts with safety in mind, they’ll reduce their chances of being in or causing an accident. A waterway accident may easily lead to personal injury claims and financial losses, so taking proper safety precautions will ensure that a person is on the right side of the aisle if ever involved in these situations.

As a safety advocate and avid beach goer, Kelly Dennie, freelance writes about many different topics. Howell and Christmas, LLC is a personal injury attorney Charleston SC based law firm that knows the state’s laws well and will fight for you to get comprehensive medical treatment, recompense, and other damages you are entitled to under the law. The representatives of the insurance company work for them and not you. Therefore, you should have a skilled attorney working for you that understands the legal issues and represents your best interest.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

THERE’S STILL LOTS OF TIME FOR SWIMMING!

Even though school bells are going to be ringing soon, there’s still plenty of time to take a dip before the swimming pools close.  Persons who live in cities or communities with swimming pools are very fortunate, and may not realize what is involved in keeping them safe.  Swimming pools are regulated by several federal and state agencies.  OSHA has issued standards regarding pool employees’ exposure to chlorine and bloodborne pathogens.  Employees’  training must be documented, and personal protective and safety equipment should be furnished.   Swimming pools must also assure patrons that locker rooms and showers are safe from predators and ensure that the decks around the pool are safe, preventing slips and falls. 

The following tips apply to swimmers at  swimming pools, and also in and around rivers and lakes:

  • Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
  • Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
  • Swimming and alcohol do not mix.  Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
  • Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays — UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body.
  • Obey all rules and posted signs.
  • Wear eye protection: Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
  • Wear foot protection: Keep in mind that your feet can get burned from the sand on a beach, or cut from glass in the sand, or pavement at the pool.
  • Watch the weather: Stay tuned to local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Get out of the water as soon as you see or hear a storm.  Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

If your children don’t know how to swim, be sure to see about getting swimming lessons for them.  Many pools offer free lessons. You never know when someone is going to need help around the water, and it’s important for you to be able to rescue them.  Even if you swim, it’s a good idea to take a refresher course.  A panicked swimmer can pull down a seasoned swimmer trying to rescue him.  If you know anyone who can’t swim, encourage him/her to learn.  It might just save a life.

Source: American Red Cross