A vacation's no day at the beach when accidents and injuries occur
Thoughts of that white sandy beach, the surf and a cold one in the sun are the visions that get most of us through a dreary winter and our work day grinds. Finally the summer day arrives when the mini van is loaded to the gills and the car top carrier can't hold even one more sock before its hinges snap. Hopefully the worst part of the vacation will be tolerating the chorus of whines - "when will we be there, daddy?" Or maybe the fight that ensues as the children argue about who sees the ocean first as they come across the island's causeway.
Many vacationers get into that "holiday mode" and let their guard down as they relax. Relaxing is the key but maintain your vigilance and the same, if not higher, degree of safety and caution you would use at home. An idyllic setting can completley catch sun bathers and sightseers unaware and unprepared for accidents and injuries.
Be sure that you rent your vacation home from a reputable rental agency that will stand behind their maintainance and upkeep of the home or condo. Ill-maintained or monitored rental units can harbour many dangers such as rotting, eroded exterior porches and stairways. Sand, water and salt air cause a lot of wear and tear on a structure that you might not see in an inland or urban setting. Be careful of improperly set hot water heaters that can scald and burn an unsuspecting guests. Slick stairs and those with irregular rises, an unsecured area rug or a poorly lit walkway, can cause a nasty fall. Check to be sure that pools have an adequate water level and all ladder exits are secured. Declare the diving board off limits if there even is one.
When you and your family are out sightseeing, use common sense in selecting transportation. When using unfamiliar style of transportation, be extra careful and pay attention to any safety lectures that the driver or captain may share. They are important. Wear the life vest given to you and make sure your children are properly secured. No, they may not look slimming but they will keep you afloat in an emergency.
Horse carriage tours and pedi-cabs or rickshaws are popular ways to get around down south, but use your best judgment in hiring one. Check to make sure it's a well maintained bicycle or carriage. Does the horse look fresh and in good shape or tired and worn out? Is your pedicab driver sober? If you absolutely must use a Segway, take the training, wear the helmet and stay the heck away from any sort of vehicle traffic. Contrary to popular belief, these gizmos do require skill and hand-eye coordination. In historic towns, be especially aware of uneven and irregular sidewalks, curbs, and steps. There were few safety codes back in the 1700's!
Golf carts need to stay on the golf course. However, if you feel it's truly the only way for you to get from point a to point b during your getaway, then you should drive it and not your kids. There are nearly 15,000 golf carts accidents each year and about 40% can be attributed to children. For a golf cart to be street legal it must have a tag/license, headlights, taillights, brake lights, rearview mirror and a windshield with wipers. Ditto mopeds. They are not toys. They are for licensed drivers.
If you love to go for a jog or nice long walk on the beach, take out the I-Pod and pay attention to those people and things around you. The beach has yesterday's sandcastle and moat just waiting lay you flat out, face in the sand. Wildlife and sea life are not always friendly, warm and fuzzy. They have big teeth, stingers and really not interested in human companionship. Watch out for the beach patrol. Yes, these vehicles should be there to help in emergency, but but it's not unusual for an 18 year old life guard to be staring in the rearview mirror checking out the string bikiini he just passed completley unaware that he just ran over a sunbather.
If you decide on a cruise, attend and be quiet during the emergency drill. Be aware of the ship's raised doorways featuring air tight seals which can catch a toe and cause a painful spill. Use the handrails when the boat rocks and be careful of the freshly washed and slippery decks. Steer clear of equipment used in the embarcation and debarkation process. There's a lot of confusion when passengers board or de-board the ship's gangway as they enter and exit the luggage hold.
As always, driving to and from your destination on I-95 or I-26 or Highway 17 is always a risk. Aside from the the increased traffic in resort areas that tends to be bumper to bumper, there is an abundance of revelers drawn to the beaches and beach bars. Be on the look out for patrons exiting these establishments in their cars and also the intoxicated pedestrian weaving from edge to edge of the sidewalk trying to make it back to his/her motel. Motorcycle rallies are popular in beach towns. South Carolina doesn't require motorcycle helmets which might be the reason behind the frequency of the rallies. However common sense dictates that a skull would be well protected by using a helmet in the event that skull should meet the pavement.
