Stay safe at the beach

Oregon beach explorers should be careful when venturing to the coast during the early spring months, and be wary of rip currents and sneaker waves, officials warn.

Visitors who head to the coast to examine shipwrecks and other sights are reminded to keep an eye on the tides and waves that exposed or created the sights, said Robert Smith, beach safety education coordinator for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, in a news release.

Recent storms and the extremities of tides have changed Oregon’s beaches. At this time of year, Smith advised that people on beaches stay out of the water.

“We still have a winter ocean out there,” Smith said in the release. “The water is cold (around 45 degrees) and the waves are very unpredictable.”

Children who want to wade in the water should be supervised and should be wearing life jackets. The jackets not only keep kids afloat, they provide warmth, and if brightly colored, can make spotting and rescuing easier.

So far in 2008, two people have drowned on the coast and three others have had to be rescued. In 2007, six people died and 26 were rescued, according to the release.

Officials also advise people to be careful outside of the water because winter storms have weakened some cliffsides.

“Climbing over fences at viewpoints is very risky right now,” Smith said. “Climbing on cliffs anywhere is extremely dangerous.”

Tide tables can be helpful in planning trips to the beach so that visitors don’t end up stuck on the rocks or at a shipwreck site. The free tide tables can be found at state parks and many coastal businesses. For more safety tips, visit www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/beach_safety.shtml.