Some Basic Rules of the Road.

It’s Mostly Just Common Sense, But Here Are a Few Tips To Travel Safe.

There are statistics that no doubt show it, but it would not be hard to guess that a good deal of road accidents happen because drivers get in a hurry and speed, or become distracted, inattentive, or tired only to drift out of control. You might not think of these as a primary “safety” rules, but doing your homework, planning your itinerary ahead of time, allowing plenty of time to get there, and getting a good nights rest before you start would save many, many more lives than people would often give it credit for. Here are some other ideas:

• Pull over and stop your car in a safe place before you check or answer your phone, look at a map, or grab your camera to snap a picture, or hunt for a snack from the bottom of the cooler.
• Plan ahead and plan to take your time – it isn’t a race (against time or anything else).
• Drive at a safe speed and pull over and stop at points of interest so you can really see them.
• Drive defensively, with a sense of awareness that others may be a similar source of hazard (from haste, weariness, distraction or inattention).
• Check the weather for your destination (and route) the night before you plan to drive.

There are many more things we could cite in this space, but those are the most often overlooked. We sincerely want everyone who visits the coast to have a great time and avoid any unpleasant (or needless to say tragic) experiences along the way. It’s all about having FUN, and I can think of nothing that is any more UNFUN than a traffic accident or mishap.

Beach Safety Tips.

More Common Sense, But a Few Extra Things to Be Aware of At the Coast.

There is a certain risk you take anytime you step out your front door, let alone hang around close by to one of nature’s primal forces – the ocean. It pays to observe that, Mother Nature is not always entirely predictable and accidents can happen to the unwary and wary alike. However, the beach is not an outrageously dangerous place if you exercise some common sense, and assume responsibility for finding out about local, specific safety hazards when you go. Be especially, vigilant where children are concerned, for they are dependent on you to help them stay safe.

From “sneaker waves,” rip currents, and sun over-exposure, to falling rocks, jellyfish stings and shark attacks, the beach can be a pretty scary place. But it doesn’t have to be. “Swimming and water activities are very healthy so long as you use appropriate caution for yourself and your family when you visit the beach,” says B. Chris Brewster, president of the United States Lifesaving Association. The first step is knowing where danger lurks and how to avoid it. The rest is knowing your own physical limitations and being aware of them. Tragic water accidents happen quickly. The most common reason for aquatic mishaps is a lack of safety knowledge. We recommend the following safety tips:

• Learn to swim.
• Never swim alone.
• Supervise children closely.
• Keep an eye out for your pets too.
• Always tell someone else when and where you plan to enter the ocean, whether to surf, swim, skim or boogie board or to take part in any other ocean or beach-related activities.
• Always remember the ocean in this area is normally 55 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
• Don’t rely on flotation devices, such as rafts.
• If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free; parallel to the beach. Don’t swim against the current’s pull.
• Alcohol and swimming, surfing, windsurfing or boating don’t mix.
• Protect your head, neck and spine. Don’t dive into unfamiliar waters.
• If you are in trouble, call or wave for help.
• Follow posted regulations.
• Know your tsunami evacuation route.
• Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances.
• Scuba dive only if trained and certified — and within the limits of your training.
• No glass containers at the beach — broken glass and bare feet don’t mix.
• No beach fires except in designated areas.
• Report hazardous conditions.
• Stay clear of coastal bluffs. They can collapse and cause injury.
• Never turn your back to the ocean. You may be swept off coastal bluffs, beaches or tide pool areas and into the water by “sneaker” waves that can come without warning.
• Do not climb up onto logs on the beach. While they look heavy and sturdy when climbing on them, the smallest wave will roll it over you or a child.
• Be aware of sneaker waves, even on the calmest days. Don’t turn your back on the ocean and keep your eye on the surf.
• Have your beach access exit available to you at all times. A big wave can come right up to a seawall, leaving you no path for safety.
• Stay on high ground when storm-agitated surf is on the beach. Oregon State Parks maintains dozens of safe roadside parks and campground access points right along Highway 101 where you can get great photos of dramatic winter surf without endangering yourself.
• Dress for the weather. Layer your clothes to provide you warmth and comfort. And carry along your rain gear to keep you dry when it does drizzle.
• Stay off of coastal jetties. Jetties were never intended for recreation. Powerful waves remove or shift even the largest boulders from the jetties, creating dangers. While it may be apparent that the rocks are slippery or strong waves could overtop the structure, jetties have hidden dangers of open crevasses, sinkholes and caverns.

Play Safe Tips.

Whether you are flying a aerobatic kite, or throwing a football, Frisbee, or doing anything else that could even remotely pose a hazard to others should they wander into the vicinity unaware, take the initiative to be concerned about their safety. Let them know of any hazard. Be willing to share the space or confine your activity if necessary. Be especially aware of the presence of children who cannot deduce a hazard to themselves, and may even be fascinated and drawn toward it, or animals who may sense danger (spook and run away, or attack) when there is none. Be aware of others and play safe. Try to avoid high winds and extreme conditions as well.