We want everyone who visits our Alabama beaches to be safe and healthy. It’s not hard, but it does take planning ahead.

Here is a rundown of safety concerns and how to prepare yourself and your family.

Avoid heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Any time you have hot temperatures like we do on the Alabama coast, there is a potential for heatstroke. To avoid the risk at the beach, drink plenty of liquids that are not alcoholic, like water or juice. Keep your body cool by staying under an umbrella or small tent. Bring an ice chest filled with ice and bottles of water to the beach. Anyone can be at risk, but especially older adults (over 65), kids four and under, and those who deal with obesity or heart disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Rip currents can be dangerous. The easiest way to avoid rip currents is to stay out of the water when the red flag is flying. Fast moving currents are responsible for about 100 deaths each year and can pull even the strongest swimmers away from the shore, according to Texas A&M University. If you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current and can safely swim back in.

Jellyfish are the most common risk at the beach. If you see jellyfish in the water or washed up on shore, be cautious and stay out of the water. Purple flags flying at the beach also indicate jellyfish. The best thing you can do if stung is rinse with clean, fresh water. If you have an allergic reaction, seek medical help.

Sunburn is another common risk. Put that sunscreen on thick and stay under shade. Just 15 minutes in the sun can cause damage to your skin, according to the CDC. Wear shirts, cover-ups, sunglasses and a hat. You do not want to ruin a vacation by getting sunburn on the first day.