A trip to the beach is often synonymous with relaxation and fun, but it can quickly turn perilous if you’re not prepared. While most beachgoers might only leave with a sunburn requiring aloe vera, more serious incidents are not as rare as one might hope. Here are some essential safety tips to ensure your beach outing remains enjoyable and safe.

Understanding the beach’s flag system is crucial. Different beaches and states have their own colored flags with specific meanings. Always check with a lifeguard if you’re uncertain about what the flags signify.

“Generally, red flags indicate strong surf and currents (i.e., ‘Be Careful!’).” In some locations, a red flag can mean the beach is closed, so it’s vital to confirm before entering the water. A yellow flag suggests moderate surf and currents, meaning the water can be rough but not exceedingly dangerous; it’s wise to stay near lifeguards. Green flags signal calm or clear ocean conditions, though staying alert is always a good idea. Blue or purple flags warn of potentially dangerous marine life, such as sharks or jellyfish, in the area.

Not all beaches are suitable for swimming, so familiarize yourself with the rules before stepping onto the sand. Nature often provides warnings, such as rip currents, which are powerful water currents that can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea. These can form on any beach with breaking waves.

To identify a rip current, look for dark, choppy water with foam and debris moving out to sea. If you spot one, steer clear, as they are extremely hazardous. If caught in a rip current, remain calm. “Relax, and swim parallel to the beach. Don’t try to fight it.” If swimming becomes difficult, tread water and call for help. Parents should always keep their children close when they’re near the ocean.

Natural elements like logs on wet sand or in the water are dangerous, as the ocean can easily lift and drop them unexpectedly. Avoid logs in the surf or on wet sand. Additionally, watch out for “sneaker waves,” which can appear suddenly and with enough force to knock you down and drag you into the sea. Always keep an eye on the ocean.

Ocean spray and rain can make rocks and trails slippery, so stay behind fences and on marked trails. Avoid cliff edges, as they may not support your weight, and don’t stand under overhanging cliffs. Rocks and jetties might seem like great vantage points, but they are dangerous. Barnacles can cause painful injuries if you slip, and waves crashing against jetties can knock you into the ocean.

Tide pools are fascinating, but it’s important to keep track of the tide to avoid getting stranded. Free tide tables are available at state park offices and many local shops. Walking barefoot on the beach can lead to injuries from sharp objects hidden in the sand, so wear sturdy reef shoes.

Ensure you bring a change of clothes and attire suitable for both sun and rain. While sunscreen isn’t clothing, it’s crucial to apply it generously or choose SPF-rated clothing of 50 or higher. Don’t forget quality sunglasses to protect your eyes.

One of the most critical beach safety tips is to never let non-swimmers or young children play unsupervised near the water. A sneaker wave might just knock you over, but it can seriously injure a child. Stay sober and vigilant to ensure everyone’s safety.

If you feel a small earthquake while at the beach, most are minor and won’t generate tsunamis. However, if the quake is strong enough to make standing difficult, it could produce a tsunami. In such cases, “you have only a matter of minutes to get to higher ground.”

Do not waste time gathering belongings; prioritize getting your family to safety. “Ideally, get to a spot 100 feet above sea level or two miles away.” Every step inland or upward counts. If you can see the wave, you are too close for safety. Avoid standing on sandstone cliffs, as they may crumble when the wave hits. Do not attempt to evacuate by car; you must drop everything and run.

A Tsunami WARNING signifies that a tsunami may have been generated and could be approaching your area. A Tsunami WATCH indicates a tsunami has not been confirmed but could exist and may be as little as an hour away.

By adhering to these safety guidelines, you can ensure that your beach visit remains a day of relaxation and enjoyment, free from unexpected dangers.

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Before the advent of modern MREs, a simple yet effective survival food powered both armies and explorers alike. Known for its longevity and simplicity, this food has been a staple from the tables of kings to the hands of common sailors. If you’re considering essential rations for a survival situation, this should be at the top of your list.

The food in question is hardtack, a basic blend of flour, water, and salt, baked into a dense biscuit. Each piece provides around 250 calories and 54 grams of carbohydrates, and its remarkable shelf life can extend to a century or more.

Hardtack’s history is as rich as its nutritional profile. Ancient Egyptian warriors carried millet flour cakes known as “dhourra” for their long sea voyages. Similarly, Roman soldiers consumed “bucellatum” as a staple ration. By the sixteenth century, British Royal Navy sailors were issued a pound of hardtack daily, accompanied by a gallon of beer.

One of hardtack’s unique properties is that it softens over time due to humidity exposure. This characteristic meant it was often prepared well in advance of consumption. However, when fresh, it lived up to its name—extremely hard and sometimes nearly inedible. Soldiers humorously dubbed it “tooth duller,” “iron cracker,” and “molar breaker.” To make it palatable, they would soak it in available liquids. Sailors used beer, while Civil War soldiers favored coffee for its warm, nutty flavor. Others used milk, soups, and stews.

Despite its toughness, hardtack remains an unparalleled survival food. It offers a straightforward way to sustain oneself for extended periods. In fact, you might encounter hardtack from over 150 years ago in Civil War museums, still intact and technically edible.

Even if you’re not a historical soldier or sailor, hardtack can still be a valuable addition to your survival kit. Its easy storage and high energy content make it ideal for off-the-grid living. It complements stews, soups, and other camp foods perfectly. Additionally, some preppers prefer it over storing flour, which has a shorter shelf life. “Why store flour, which goes bad after just a few months, when you can bake it into hardtack and store it for a lifetime?”

Creating hardtack is straightforward. Mix flour, salt, and a cup of water into a dough. Flatten the dough to a thickness of ¼ to ½-inch and cut it into squares. Poke holes into each square. Bake the biscuits in the oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Once removed, allow them to dry completely.

Hardtack is more than just a relic of the past; it’s a practical solution for modern survival needs. Its simplicity, longevity, and nutritional value make it an indispensable resource for anyone preparing for uncertain times.

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When disaster strikes, it’s often unexpected, leaving many unprepared and scrambling for essentials. One crucial aspect of preparedness is having a backup plan for your emergency supplies. Disasters have a knack for obliterating whatever stands in their way, including your meticulously gathered emergency provisions. This situation creates a dual problem: the financial burden of replacing those supplies and the immediate lack of essentials when they are most needed.

Fortunately, there’s a solution that many preppers already have in place, albeit sometimes without fully realizing its potential: the bug-out bag. This humble pack can serve as an invaluable lifeline during a shelter-in-place emergency.

A common strategy among seasoned preppers is to distribute emergency supplies throughout various locations in the home. This tactic ensures that if one area is compromised, supplies in other areas remain accessible. However, if this isn’t feasible, or if you simply haven’t had the time to implement it, a well-stocked bug-out bag kept in an easily accessible spot, like under the stairs or near the main exit, can be a lifesaver. It provides a fallback option when your primary supplies are inaccessible.

“During most major emergency events, there’s a strong chance you’ll be alone the first few days waiting for even the slimmest rescue assistance,” according to insights from disaster survivors. A bug-out bag equipped with 72 hours’ worth of food can bridge the gap until help arrives or until you can secure a more sustainable food source. While a two-week food supply is ideal, as even FEMA suggests, having three days’ worth of provisions can help you endure the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

Water is another critical component. A bug-out bag should include a 72-hour supply of water, which can sustain you until you locate a more substantial source. Moreover, if your bag includes a reliable water filter, you have a tool to stay hydrated for extended periods. With access to a basic water source, even a dirty one, you’re equipped to make it through challenging times.

In less severe situations, like short power outages or boil advisories, having a 72-hour water supply can prevent you from tapping into your long-term reserves prematurely. This foresight can save you from unnecessary stress during minor emergencies.

Power is another area where bug-out bags shine. “Lack of power is common among both” bugging out and bugging in scenarios. Therefore, it’s wise to include power sources such as batteries and solar chargers in your bag. These can keep essential devices like flashlights and chargers operational during the initial days of a disaster. A flashlight is indispensable for preventing injuries in the dark, while a charged device ensures you can maintain communication and access information.

Power outages are almost guaranteed in disasters, whether caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, or blizzards. When the electricity fails, it could be down for days, if not longer. This is where the light sources in your bug-out bag become crucial. Having an extra flashlight or two ensures you’re prepared for any eventuality, whether a device fails, runs out of power, or additional help is needed for others.

In conclusion, while we often consider bug-out bags as tools for evacuation, their utility in shelter-in-place scenarios cannot be overstated. They provide a practical and effective backup plan, ensuring that even if your primary supplies are compromised, you have the essentials to weather the storm.

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