Surfboards

Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).

Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.

Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

Use a feet-first entry when entering the water.

Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.

Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.

Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies. Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays -- UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.

Watch for these signs of heat stroke

Hot, red, and usually dry skin, but in some cases such as during athletic activity while wearing a helmet, the skin may be moist

Changes in consciousness

Rapid, weak pulse, and

Rapid, shallow breathing.

Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number.

Move the person to a cooler place.

Quickly cool the person by wrapping something wet  around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels.

Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear.

Keep the person lying down.

Wear eye protection

Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays.

Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.

Wear foot protection. Many times, people's feet can get burned from the sand or cut from glass in the sand.