Americans are expected to flock to beaches to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday weekend, but travelers should be extra vigilant of their surroundings this year.
A national lifeguard shortage means many beaches will be unguarded.
Below are several tips about what to pay attention to before and during your trip to keep you and your loved ones safe.
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Look at wave conditions before you go
Beach safety begins before you get to the beach.
One of the things to “know before you go,” according to Eric Gietzen, chief lifeguard at Coastline Services in Wisconsin, is how the forecast is going to affect the water.
Beyond looking for rain or storms in the forecast, look at the wave conditions, which can be worse than the weather might indicate.
The most detailed, current information is available at the National Weather Service.
When looking at the forecast, Gietzen said to pay attention to winds in the double-digits in either knots or miles per hour. Winds in the upper teens can be dangerous.
Know how dangerous rip currents work — and how to avoid them
Rip currents, often incorrectly called “rip tides,” are jets of water coming out perpendicular to the shore. The water…
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