Headed to the beach this spring or summer? It’s a ton of fun for the whole family, and we would like to offer some tips to ensure a safe visit.

First, wear sunscreen. Exposure to the sun’s rays can cause skin damage and even skin cancer. Beyond that, a bad burn can ruin an otherwise wonderful beach vacation. So cover your skin and reapply throughout the day.

Second, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Third, obey posted signs and flags. Alabama beaches use a flag warning system to alert beachgoers to water conditions. Think of it in terms of traffic lights: Yellow indicates medium-hazard surf conditions while red means stop, as there are strong rip currents or an undertow present. A double red flag means the water is closed to the public. A purple flag indicates dangerous marine life such as jellyfish or man o’ wars.

Fourth, learn to swim. That’s the best defense against drowning. However, even strong swimmers can succumb to a rip tide or undertow. It’s important to swim with a buddy and swim near a lifeguard. If you have any questions about safety or water conditions, feel free to ask the lifeguards or call 251-968-TIDE (8433) or 251-981-SURF (7873) for current surf conditions.

Stay safe and keep our beaches safe, too, by following Leave Only Footprints regulations.