OCEAN CITY — The majority of the area’s lifeguards will soon be gone from the beaches, during the part of the season in which still-warm weather clashes with troublesome waters.
Most beach patrols in the area end their full-force vigilance at the end of Labor Day weekend, in the thick of hurricane season when tropical storms and other weather systems often help generate substantial waves and currents that can be threatening to swimmers who aren’t able to handle them.
One of Ocean City Beach Patrol’s mantras for residents and visitors is, “Keep your toes in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand,” something Lt. Ward Kovacs says the organization vigorously stands by.
“That’s typically when drownings occur, when guards are off-duty,” Kovacs said.
Dewey Beach Patrol Capt. Todd Fritchman recommends swimming in the presence of lifeguards if possible, but hesitates to tell visitors to stay out of the water since it’s essentially the main draw for most people who visit resort towns in Delaware and Maryland.
“That’d be like saying, ‘Don’t come here,’” he said. “We want people to go in the water. You just have to be understanding of the environment you’re in if the beach isn’t guarded.”
Fritchman urges beachgoers to pay attention to weather and surf reports so they can find out if rip currents or large waves are in the vicinity of their beach. He also suggests visitors be accompanied by an experienced ocean swimmer. Personal assessments are important as well, he said.
“It’s a matter of common sense. You have to ask yourself, ‘Can I handle this size wave or this size current or not?’” Fritchman said.
If caught in a rip current, it’s important to remain calm to conserve energy, to think clearly and to not fight the current, according to the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol’s website.
If a lifeguard is not present when you see someone in trouble, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Originally posted on http://www.delmarvanow.com/