The beach is a daily destination for many during the summer months.

A reminder from the Lifesaving Society about open waters, especially if you’re on a flotation device such as a tube, raft or paddle board.

“It’s very important to be aware of wind conditions. Currents can also bring you further out to sea, especially if you’re near rivers. If there’s what we call an offshore wind, which means the wind is blowing away from shore, it’s very easy to go out to sea. When you want to start coming in, then you might be in over your head, and you might struggle to get back to shore,” says New Brunswick Program Manager Director Gregoire Cormier.

He adds you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times while floating, and if possible, try to only use your inflatable in a supervised area on beaches where lifeguards are present.

“It adds an extra layer of safety. So if ever you need assistance, then the lifeguard can go and assist you,” Cormier stressed.

He adds you should always share your plans with someone else on shore before heading out, so they’ll keep an eye out to ensure you aren’t in distress.

“If you’re on the floating object, and you find yourself drifting a little too far out, you do not want to get rid of it and try to swim to shore. Floating and swimming can help you conserve some energy. If you can hold on and stay in the water, your body will create some kind of drag, which will slow down the effect of being pushed out to sea, as you gradually swim and make your way to shore,” Cormier said.

Life jackets are a must, in case you do run into trouble while on the water, because they will help you stay on the surface. Cormier says the biggest risk factor for all age groups in drowning is not wearing a life jacket. “That is by far the biggest cause of people drowning,” Cormier stated.

The other suggestion is if you really want to use a flotation device, but are afraid of getting pulled out, anchor yourself, especially if you just plan on lying on it.