Hot weather attracts people to beaches – let's ensure safety together
With the hot weather, many visitors are expected at beaches. The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) encourages everyone to prioritise safety. During last year's hot summer, an exceptionally high number of people drowned at beaches. Simple safety measures can prevent serious accidents.
Last summer, 15 people drowned at beaches, which is almost three times the average of recent years. More than one person drowned in two of the accidents. Lifeguards also had an exceptionally high number of rescue missions.
Tukes wants to remind beach visitors of a few important safety measures:
- Keep small children at arm's length. Children can get into trouble quietly and in a few seconds. Floating water toys do not prevent children from drowning and can unknowingly take them to deep water. Adults should always position themselves between the child and the open water.
- Always keep an eye on your child. You cannot browse on your phone or read a book at the same time. Adults must agree among themselves who will supervise the children and how many children one adult can supervise at a time.
- Do not overestimate your swimming skills. It is recommended to swim parallel to the shore and stay in an area you know. Take into account wind, boat traffic, currents and the beach profile, for example.
- Take care of your friend. Make sure that everyone gets out of the water safely.
- Do not go swimming under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.
- Prefer supervised beaches and follow the beach instructions. Lifeguarding does not reduce the need to supervise children or change your responsibility for safe behaviour. Read the information board on the beach and find out where the rescue equipment is located.
- Use piers, diving towers and other structures only for their intended purpose. Do not use structures that are closed or marked as prohibited. Only jump into water at places that are intended for it. Before jumping, make sure that the water is deep enough and that there are no dangerous objects in the water.
- Take care of others. If you notice a dangerous situation, react quickly and call for help by dialling 112 if necessary. In case of an emergency, take care of your own safety and use the appropriate rescue equipment.
Everyone can help ensure that last year's high number of beach drownings will not be repeated.
This summary by Tukes (only in Finnish) contains more detailed information about accidents on beaches and safety recommendations.
Further information
Konsta Kulmala, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 5052 097, [email protected]
