OCFD gives beach safety while no lifeguards are on duty
OCEAN CITY, Md. As the weather warms up, many people are hitting the beach in Ocean City.
But there are some safety tips that you should know. While there’s no lifeguard on duty. Ocean City Fire Department Chief Richard Bowers says it best. “Feet in the sand. If there are no lifeguards in the stand,” said Chief Bowers.
The Ocean City Fire Department responds to emergency beach calls while there are no life guards on duty. But to minimize those calls, they advise you to keep an eye out on the water. “We’ve got to respect the rip currents that are there that occur frequently. And the fact that the ocean is can be and is very dangerous and we want to always respect the ocean,” said Chief Bowers. “Just pay attention to the ocean undertones, current stuff like that. Wave height. Just look at the ocean. Use common sense. If it’s rough, just use that extra caution, water temperatures are also key this time of year,” said Battalion Chief, Water Rescue Commander David Peterson.
If an emergency happens, the Ocean City Fire Department has a team and special equipment ready to bring you to safety. “Surf rescue cans. It’s like a bowie that we take with us that we strap on over our shoulder and swim out to the victim if needed, and then we hand the bowie to the victim and pull them to shore as needed,” said Battalion Chief Peterson.
And if you are headed to the beach, Chief Bowers reminds keep some water handy. “It gets warm people can become very dehydrated. So, you want to be very careful there. Always make sure you’re hydrated if you’re in in the sand, enjoying a nice, warm day. But there’s no lifeguards in the stand. Again, make sure that you have plenty of water,” said Chief Bowers.
Chief Bowers also says boats should also keep their safety equipment handy, but firefighters and paramedics are still readily available. Memorial Day is the first day that lifeguards will be on the beach.
