In the Water

The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
Read and obey all rules and posted signs.
Children or inexperienced swimmers should take precautions, such as wearing a life jacket when around the water.
Beware of "too much" — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).
Be aware of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards: deep and shallow areas, currents and obstructions. Know where it's safe to enter and exit the water.
Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
Use a feet-first entry when entering the water. Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. Alcohol not only impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, it reduces your body's ability to stay warm.

On the Beach

Tanning isn't as healthy as it looks. Protect your skin! Water reflects sunlight, and increases your exposure to the two types of UV rays. UVA increases the risk of skin cancer and other diseases, and "ages" your skin. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.
Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They dehydrate the body.
Wear eye protection — consider sunglasses as a sunscreen for your eyes. Wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
Wear foot protection. Sand absorbs heat from the sun, and bare feet can easily be burned. Other potential hazards are broken glass, shards of metal, and jellyfish.