7 Tips for Family Beach Safety*

1. Keep kids within arms reach (especially in the sea, but also on land) 
2. Don't dive in (2/3 of catastrophic neck/head/spinal injuries occur in the sea) 
3. Knee deep is too deep (strong winds, waves, and currents create dangerous rip currents that can sweep a child out to sea) 
4. Know before you go (know your flags - red means stop/green means go) 
5. Take frequent breaks (every hour take a sun, bathroom, or water break) 
6. Go with the wind (lost kids tend to take the course of least resistance - follow the wind to find your kid) 
7. Look but don't touch (call local authorities to help injured/stranded animals)

* This guide to family beach safety was collaboratively produced by the Clean Beaches Council and Dr. Tom Griffiths, Director of Aquatics at The Pennsylvania State University.