The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that almost 4,000 people die from drowning each year in the United States. That figure does not break out ocean swimming from recreational and residential pools but does note that most ocean drownings occur at beaches where lifeguards were not present (in comparison, you have a less than one in 18 million chance of drowning at a lifeguarded beach).
But no matter where it occurs, drowning is one of the top causes of unintentional deaths. The ocean is vast and unpredictable, and even normal conditions can suddenly shift into life-threatening situations.
Ocean waves are particularly dangerous. A study by the Delaware Sea Grant College Program and Beebe Medical Center noted that there are more injuries from ocean waves than reported or even previously suspected.
The study, conducted over three summers, reported more than 1,100 injuries were caused by ocean waves and required a visit to the local emergency rooms. Most of them were sprains and strains, with the most common injuries caused by being knocked over. These included dislocated shoulders, broken collarbones, ankle and knee sprains, and neck pain.
But the reported injuries also included broken bones, neck fractures and three deaths. All of them happened in relatively shallow water, an area between where waves break and the shoreline. Waves roll in and slam the unwary into the sand, resulting in injury. Remarkably, most happened in less than two feet of water, an area where small children typically frolic and adults may let down their guard, thinking that they’re too near to shore for anything dramatic to happen.
The power of the ocean waves is constantly shifting, and researchers determined that many of the bathers were injured in relatively the same time frame, each arriving in the emergency room within hours of each other. During the three-year study, there were no injuries reported on about one-fifth of the days monitored, but one day resulted in 25 rough surf injuries.
Many of the injuries reported happened when bathers turned their backs to exit the water, pointing out the need always to be aware of waves.
Water Conditions
In addition to waves, there are other problems you may encounter at the beach.
Rip currents are particularly dangerous for swimmers. The rip current is a current of water that flows away from the shore and can quickly drag an unwary swimmer far out to sea, beyond their limits for safely reaching shore. It is believed that rip currents account for about 80 percent of lifeguard rescues, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a United States Department of Commerce agency that studies various aspects of weather, climate and marine life.
A rip current can start at the shoreline and drag a swimmer past the wave break line. The days when strong rip currents are in force are usually busy for lifeguards, and particularly strong days can result in the shutdown of certain beaches.
More unusual, but no less dangerous, is the condition known as a shore break. These are waves that break on the shore, and can arrive unexpectedly to smash down those who weren’t expecting a powerful wave.
Dry Land Issues
Once you’re out of the water, there are still dangers to be found from ocean-going. Lightning is a particular danger because of the wide expanse of open land found at most beaches. About 60 people per year are killed by lightning, although not all of them at the beach. If a storm approaches, head for a building, shelter or shed. Avoid soft-top vehicles or convertibles, and it is suggested that those wishing to return to the beach should wait at least a half-hour after the last thunder clap.
Less likely is a tsunami, or tidal wave. This is caused by the displacement of water on the sea floor, usually because of volcanic activity, earthquakes or other major disturbances. The warning signs include the sudden retreat of water beyond the usual shore breaks, leaving a vast expanse of wet beach that water normally would cover. This is followed by a wall of water that’s extremely fast and may be several feet high. The only solution is to head for higher ground and shelter if you believe one is about to strike.
Animals in the Sea
Of course, the sea harbors thousands of aquatic species, including some that have been known to attack humans. The most frequent are shark attacks, which seem to occur every summer in certain locations.
Contrary to popular belief, most shark attacks don’t occur in deep water but can happen relatively near shore, most frequently between sandbars, where sharks can get trapped temporarily during low tide. While uncommon, they are a consideration if you go beyond the wading areas of the ocean.
Keep in mind that groups of people are less likely to be attacked than individuals. It’s also advised that you not enter the water if you have a bleeding wound, and try to avoid bright colors in your swimwear. Also, leave the shiny jewelry on the shore or in your car. Sharks are attracted to color contrasts and reflected light, which scientists believe are translated by the shark mind as fish scales.
A more common ocean nuisance is the jellyfish, which can arrive at certain points of the season and virtually close down some beaches. There are 2,000 species of jellyfish, with roughly 70 of them having enough venom that can cause humans problems if stung. Finding one on land can be problematic, too, because they’re still capable of stinging. If you are stung, do not wash it with water, which can cause more poison to release. Instead, vinegar or rubbing alcohol is recommended as a wound wash. Another solution is baking soda or meat tenderizer, which contain enzymes that will dilute the poison.
Finally, there’s one beach issue that affects almost everyone who spends any appreciable time on the sand – sunburn. Even on a cloudy day, the relentless rays of the sun can burn in a very short time, with some damage not showing up for a day or so. Of course, sunscreen and common sense about the length of your exposure are keys. If you get a severe sunburn, medical attention might be necessary, as with any moderate to severe burn. Just be cautious and keep track of the length of your exposure.