No flags, no swim

EVERYONE loves to spend time at the beach and while it can be so much fun, people sometimes forget about the possible dangers lurking there.

Dangers such as bad weather, rip currents among others may make a fun time at the beach turn tragic but one important thing that helps prevent accidents from happening are the flags and signs at the seaside.

While flags of different colours convey different messages across the world, in Ghana and at the La Pleasure Beach Resort, the red and white flags inform revellers about potential safety risks.

Speaking to Graphic Showbiz recently on how to chill out at the beach and return home safely, Administrator of the La Pleasure Beach Resort, Mr Afutu Nikoi, said the red and white flags show the supervised areas of the beach and advised patrons to look out for them when they’re about to swim.

“The most important flags on the beach are the red and white ones. These show the supervised areas of the beach and that a lifesaving service is operating. If there are no red and white flags, don’t swim.

“The red flag signifies danger while the white one stands for safety. The red flags are mounted at the dangerous places where one should not swim and the white ones signify where to swim. In addition to this, patrons should also follow directives from lifeguards seriously,” he said.

According to Mr Nikoi, because they make it a point to put such safety measurres in place, they haven’t recorded any incident since his administration took over the running of the beach some five years ago.

“I can assure you that for the past five years, we’ve never had any incident of drowning no matter the numbers at the beach. People swim and at the end of the day, they go home safely”, he added.

Asked for his explanation on bodies being washed ashore at the La Pleasure Beach, Mr Nikoi said,

“Although some bodies have been washed ashore, they are from different places. And when that happens, we call the police to handle the situation.

“And most often after they have carried out their tests, it comes out that they didn’t drown here. The families who come to claim such bodies, most often than not are not even from Accra.”

Here are some safety tips for patrons to beaches:

• Always swim between the red and white flags

Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifeguards. The red and white flags show there is a lifesaving service on patrol and where one can swim safely.

• No alcohol

Don’t ever swim directly after a meal or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and water don’t mix well. However, drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty, to stay hydrated.

• Don’t go too deep

Even if you’re an experienced swimmer, it’s very dangerous to go in too far, because you never know when you’ll get caught in a riptide. They’re notoriously difficult to spot.

• Swim with a friend

To avoid trouble, always swim with a friend or family member so you can keep an eye out for each other.

If you need a lifeguard’s assistance, raise your arm in the air and wave it from side to side. Save your energy by floating on your back and staying calm.

Here are some more helpful tips on beach safety from bestlifeonline.com/mybeach.com to ensure revellers enjoy their day out at the seaside.

• Spot the dangers

Check out the beach when you arrive, take care when bathing and swimming, beware of rocks, piers, breakwaters as well as dangerous rip currents.

• Read safety signs

Before you go into the ocean read the safety signs. This way you are aware of any warnings or dangers on the beach such as dangerous currents.

• Rip currents

Spot a rip by looking for deeper darker water, fewer breaking waves and sometimes sandy-coloured water. If caught in a riptide, stay calm, float and raise an arm for attention.

While floating, rips can flow in a circle and return you to shore. Or you may escape a rip by swimming parallel to the beach, towards breaking waves. Don’t struggle in a rip or you will become exhausted.

• Don't dive into unknown waters.

To protect your head and spine, always go feet first. It may be more shallow than you estimated and there may be sharp rocks below.

• Take safety advice

Swim where there is a lifeguard on patrol and within a zoned area of red/white flags, never swim where a sign says not to, or when a red flag is flying and listen and take advice from lifeguards

• Learn how to help

If you see someone in difficulty, tell somebody, preferably a lifeguard if there is one nearby.

Story in Graphic Showbiz, page 8
By Richmond Nyarko
Date of Publication, 26th September, - October 2, 2019