Beach Days: Nine Rules for Relaxing by the Sea
Summer and Holidays are Knocking at the Door. For Many, This Means: Finally Relaxing at the Beach and Swimming in the Sea! But Pay Attention to These Things to Ensure a Safe and Relaxing Beach Day.
Summer, Sun, Sea: There are few better places than the beach on hot days. Relaxing in the sand with a pleasant breeze, jumping into the water, then lying in the sun and eating an ice cream. One longs for the Baltic Sea or the Mediterranean just by thinking about it. So, it's high time for some refreshing rules and tips for a safe and relaxing beach day.
1. Water as an Element is Underrated
Waves gently lap at the shore, sunrays reflect off the water, the air is warm. What could possibly happen today? So, let's go in, cool off.
However, one should not be too careless. "If something happens, it's usually because the water as an element is underestimated," says Alexander Paffrath from the German Lifeguard Association (DLRG).
For instance, there can be strong undertows near the shore that can even sweep adults away. While it's true that the stronger the surf, the stronger the current, the flat sea can also hide dangers, as the next point shows.
2. Calm Wind at the Beach? The Water Might Tell a Different Story
It's quite peculiar. If, for example, the dike behind the beach provides a wind shelter, there might be no breeze on the sand. However, there could be a gusty wind on the water - someone going into the water with an air mattress without looking, for instance, will be swept away quickly.
Returning against the wind and current can be a hopeless endeavor, says Paffrath, adding: "In general, it should be avoided if one only pays attention to the warning signs." See Point 3.
3. A Little Flag Knowledge: Red-Yellow is Good, Green Means Nothing
The DLRG occupies around 100 stations along the German coasts in the summer months. There, flags are hoisted that are internationally standardized - and whose meaning every beachgoer should know. Therefore, here is a brief flag guide:
- Red on top, yellow at the bottom: This means that the beach section is guarded by lifeguards. If it's flying alone, it's safe to swim.
- Red on top, yellow at the bottom, and a yellow flag at the bottom: These conditions are only suitable for experienced swimmers. If a windsock is also hoisted, it indicates a warning for offshore winds. Then, one should not use air mattresses and other inflatable water toys.
- Only red: One should stay away from the water - swimming can be life-threatening under these conditions.
- Black and white tiles: These mark water sports areas. Swimming is not allowed beyond this point.
And what about green? The DLRG does not hoist it on their beach sections, and international norms do not provide for it. "It suggests safety, which it doesn't have," says Paffrath. However, green flags can be seen at some beaches in Germany and other countries. The DLRG emphasizes that these have no official meaning or significance.
4. Always Keep an Eye on the Kids
Parents often let their children play unsupervised at the water's edge. "This is a story that keeps us very busy," says Paffrath. Fathers and mothers often stare at their smartphones instead of their children. However, whenever children play near the water, the rule is: Always stay close by, even if the kids wear swim armbands or swim vests.
5. Night Swimming - No!
The summer night is warm, one lies on the beach and comes up with the idea of cooling off again. But night swimming, that shouldn't be done, warns Paffrath, who has been a lifeguard on Baltic Sea beaches for over 25 years. In general, he advises swimming only at guarded beaches, and logically during the hours when there is lifeguard presence. "Anything can happen to anyone and out there you are on your own."
Night brings the missing visibility. "The chance of seeing someone in a rescue situation in the darkness is close to zero." If someone far out has a seizure, they have a big problem - they'll hear but not see anyone. "For a large part of the less trained people, that's like a death sentence."
6. No broken glass on the beach
A beer bottle breaks? One might think of spreading sand over it, but don't. Then someone runs barefoot over the spot and gets injuries. Or children stumble upon the shards while playing. Instead, collect and dispose of everything. Ideally, one should not even bring glass bottles to the beach, advises Paffrath.
7. Spreading out is allowed - within limits
Spread out blankets, set up beach shells, and maybe even hammer in a windbreak in the sand: Some lay out a large camp at the sea. But how much space can one really take? Often there are no restrictions. But one should consider the needs of others - when it's crowded and blankets are piled up one after the other, it's not appropriate to occupy the space of a studio apartment.
Where there are regulations, such as at beach umbrella rentals, the attendant would likely point out that the blanket area can only be covered with blankets - but not more than that.
8. Building sandcastles - not always allowed
Dig in and let's go. For many children and parents, this is part of a day at the sea. But at some beaches, this is actually not allowed - for example, the community of Sylt prohibits building sandcastles and digging holes in the sandy area. The community of Zinnowitz on the Ostsee island of Usedom also forbids building sandcastles "within three meters of the seaward dune foot" and digging deep holes.
In general, it is worth looking into the beach and bathing regulations of the community where one is on vacation. Open fires and grilling are usually prohibited without special permission, as is playing music at a volume that disturbs others. Dogs are only allowed on certain sections of the beach in some places, and there may be a leash requirement.
9. Consider and respect Free Body Culture
Even though one is usually only lightly clothed at the beach - being completely naked can be forbidden. One should inform oneself about this in advance. It is clear in the case of a designated FKK beach area. Anyone who wants to sunbathe and bathe naked should go there. Conversely, it is often not welcome and may even be forbidden at FKK beaches for bathers to be clothed.
Children are generally allowed to be naked at the beach. In Zinnowitz, for example, it says in the beach and bathing regulations that children up to the age of ten can bathe and sunbathe naked outside the FKK beach area.
- Before embarking on a beach vacation, research local tourist regulations.
- The Tourism industry advises checking local beach safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
- Judgments about nudity on the beach can vary greatly among different regions, so it's essential for consumers to be informed and respectful of local customs.
