Dear Beach Patrons: May 2007
Throughout the summer, weather may cause the beach to become hazardous with severe storms and/or aggressive wave and beach conditions. When wind is off the lake, action can develop and create large and vigorous waves that can create swimming hazards. Please, swim with extreme caution and continuously watch all children. Do not swim past the buoys. Do not swim near the pier. Also, use caution in regards to boats and personal watercraft that may enter into the “No Boating Areas”.
Although the beach is a wonderful experience, there are time and conditions that are a safety concern. We encourage you and your party to follow the suggested “Safety Tips” while enjoying the beaches of Lake Erie:
- WARNING: THE WATERS OF LAKE ERIE ARE DANGEROUS AND UNPREDICTABLE
- NO LIFEGUARDS
- SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK
- Life Rings are located in the Beach Safety Box located at the base of the Flag Pole.
- Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim—this includes adults and children. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course, contact your local Red Cross Chapter or Huron Parks and Recreation.
- Stay within the designated swimming area and ideally within the visibility of other swimming partners.
- Stay at least 100 feet from all fishing piers while in the water.
- Never swim alone. Know your own swimming ability and fitness level – know your limits.
- Be aware of rip currants. If you should get caught in a current, don’t try to swim against it. Swim parallel to shore until clear of the current.
- Use common sense – if the waves look dangerous….they probably are.
- Seek shelter in case of a storm. Get out of the water. Get off the beach in case of lightning.
- Watch children carefully and constantly. It only takes a couple of minutes for them to be knocked down by even the smallest wave and pulled out by a current.
- Do not swim near or dive off the pier. Too many swimmers are seriously injured every year by entering headfirst into water that is too shallow. A feet first entry is much safer than diving.
- Do not throw sand or any unintended object
- Avoid glass containers and place trash in designated refuse containers.
- No alcohol or open containers- Do not swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, float and wait for assistance.
- Catch a weather report before you go out. Stay out of the water if strong winds or a storm is predicted.
Follow all beach rules and regulations. A park employee is located at the entrance of Nickel Plate Park daily from 9am-5pm Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.
CAUTION- THE ABOVE “SAFETY TIPS” ARE NOT A GUARANTEE OF YOUR SAFETY. BY ENTERING THE WATER, YOU ARE ASSUMING ALL RISKS NOT ONLY FOR YOURSELF, BUT FOR YOUR CHILDREN AS WELL.
In case of an emergency, call HURON POLICE/FIRE AT EMERGENCY “911
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