Spring Safety voiced for Oregon Beaches, March 17

Spring break is just around the corner, but winter still lingers along the Oregon coast. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department wants you to be safe while visiting the ocean beach.  “During the next few weeks visitors from all over the Pacific Northwest will be headed to the coast for spring break. The influx of visitors makes March a very dangerous month on the coast. The combination of logs, powerful waves and unaware visitors can create some dangerous situations,” said Robert Smith, Oregon State Parks Visitor Safety Education Coordinator.  Logs aren’t the only danger though. “Folks need to be aware of other dangers as well — sneaker waves, incoming tides and cliffs all pose dangers to beach goers,” Smith said. “Be aware of your surroundings and then act accordingly. If there is any place to use common sense, the Oregon coast is that place.”  Parents especially need to watch their children in and around the ocean. He listed several safety tips to keep in mind:  *Keep one eye on the ocean. You won’t be surprised by bigger waves surging high on the beach. Sneaker waves are unpredictable and very powerful. They come out of nowhere and can be deadly.  *Stay away from logs on the wet sand or in the surf. These logs can weigh several tons and can be moved by only a few inches of water. The ocean is strong enough to pick up even the biggest log and roll it over you.  *Know when the tide is coming in. Nothing ruins a day of tide pooling quicker than being stranded by the incoming tide. Get a tide table from a state park ranger or many businesses along the coast.  *Be careful on cliffs and rocks. The power of the ocean can erode cliff sides, making them unstable. Stay on marked trails and don’t climb over fences, which are there for your safety. Don’t dig into oceanside cliffs or hillsides.  For more beach safety information, visit http://www.respectthebeach.org/, or call Smith, at(503)390-0639 ext. 227. He is available to make presentations to groups interested in beach safety