Officials Warn to Stay Safe on Beach in the Heat

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – On days like Wednesday, when temperatures are climbing toward the 90s, you might be tempted to head to the beach first thing in the morning. But officials tell 47 ABC there are some things you should do before heading to the beach to make sure you stay safe in the heat.

“We recommend that people start to hydrate before they come to the beach, you know the day before or that evening,” Kent Buckson, Captain of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, said.

While drinking water should help, there are some things you need to look for – syptoms that, if detected, could save you from a trip to the hospital.

“[People will] feel lightheaded, they’ll feel dizzy, maybe blurred vision, maybe nauseous,” Buckson said.

Sometimes water and gatorade aren’t enough, and that’s why it’s best to take a break and get out of the sun.

“Maybe go back to the hotel or your house, go to a restaurant, anywhere air conditioned,” Buckson said.

While you’re at the beach, in temperatures close to or at 90 degrees, sometimes the best “air conditioner” is the one provided by mother nature.

“So our big family is here on the beach and we’re getting in the water every chance we get,” Nicole, a visitor to the beach, said.

“Get in the water, getting the kids out to ride waves, stuff like that,” Jeremy Zimmerman, another visitor, said.

But the waves won’t keep you out of the sun, and that’s why safety officials, once again, encourage you to take a time out.

“I can’t stress enough, just getting out of the heat periodically throughout the day, go to a restaurant, to your house to a car,” Buckson said.