Summer is rapidly approaching. Depending where you live, businesses and public spaces are slowly beginning to reopen. As shelter-in-place orders from COVID-19 begin to relax, many people are tempted to head for the sandy shores. That said, safety for yourself and others should remain everybody’s top priority. It is important that we all take precautions to stay safe from coronavirus at the beach.
Of course, we all crave a sense of normalcy after months of the coronavirus pandemic. However, it may simply not be safe. If you are determined to head out, no matter what, it is crucial to continue using caution whenever possible. In this blog post, let’s take a look at how you can hopefully avoid coronavirus at the beach in the coming months.
Beach or Community Pool? Choose Wisely
Your best option for avoiding coronavirus at the beach… is still to avoid crowded spaces. If you have a private pool, consider cooling off in your own backyard. Overall, a private home swimming pool is a much safer choice.
If you don’t have your own private pool with a safety fence, you’ll likely be better off at the beach over a community pool. As we’ve discussed on this blog previously, public pools aren’t the safest idea during this pandemic. The beach is a smarter choice because it’s a lot easier to space out and maintain social distance. Plus, all known evidence indicates that the coronavirus doesn’t spread easily in the water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “There is no evidence showing anyone has gotten COVID-19 through drinking water, recreational water, or wastewater.”
Staying Safe From Coronavirus at the Beach
Check Ahead
State and local authorities will determine if your beach is open. Before going, check on the status of your local location. Also check whether visitor centers, concessions, and bathroom facilities are open or closed.
If You Have Been Sick, Stay Home
If you are sick, your germs can spread to others. The same goes if you are considered to be at-risk according to the CDC’s guidelines. If this is the case, avoid going out when it isn’t necessary. Your own safety and that of others is the most important priority.
Avoid Crowds
This isn’t the time for a “post-coronavirus” beach party. In fact gatherings of 10 or more people should still be avoided. Also steer clear of heavily populated boardwalks.
Practice Social Distancing
Whether you are on the sand, near concession stands or even in the water, maintain six feet between you and others.
Wear Your Mask
When you aren’t in the water, wear your mask. However, masks should not be worn in the water, as this will cause difficulty breathing. In addition, children under two years of age should not wear a mask because of the threat of suffocation.
Wash Your Hands
If you use the bathroom or go to the concession stand, it is always a good idea to properly wash your hands. If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer instead. If you contact any frequently touched surfaces, wipe them down first with sanitizing wipes. Then–you guessed it–wash your hands again!
Use All Your Own Equipment
Bring what you need with you. This includes sanitizing wipes, masks and hand sanitizer. But it also includes other amenities that you might normally get at the beach. Don’t risk renting any swimming gear, toys, towels or lounge chairs if you don’t need to.
Don’t Forget General Water Safety
Staying safe from coronavirus at the beach won’t be the only challenge you face. It is easy to forget the basics of water safety. However, you’ll want to keep in mind that drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of four. Among other tips, you should practice active supervision, wear sunscreen, know how to avoid riptides and obey lifeguards’ orders.
