Jetties are popular for their convenience in accessing water. Whether you’re fishing, going for a swim, or boarding and alighting a vessel it is important to know and follow jetty safety.
It is your responsibility to yourself and those around you to take safety measures when using a jetty. You could cause injury to yourself or others that are enjoying being on the water and in the sunshine.
There are guidelines that will teach you how to stay safe on a jetty while promoting harbor safety.
Keep reading to learn more about jetty safety and how it will keep you and others safe.
Wear Bright Gear
One of the best strategies to have when using or fishing from a jetty is to always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Wearing bright gear and clothing makes you much easier to spot should you fall into the ocean or get carried away by the tide.
Not only will the bright colors make it easier to find you, but they will also make it easier for you to see the boats that are navigating the harbor and trying to perform safe use of a jetty.
This is an especially important factor if you’re bringing kids with you to use the jetty as they are more likely to fall into the ocean or be part of an accident.
Wear Sunscreen
Hats and protective clothing go a long way towards protecting you from the sun if you plan to spend a good amount of time on the jetty. Sunscreen is a great asset to use for sun protection as well.
Not only will the rays of the sun be batting down on you from above, but the water reflects them back up as well. These rays are damaging to your skin and can cause you to suffer from skin cancer later in life.
For an added bonus it is a great idea to wear sunglasses. Sunglasses are proven to protect your eyes from damage caused by the sun’s rays. For an added bonus, wear polarized lenses for better vision around the water.
Check the Weather Forecast for Jetty Safety
While it may seem like a safe place to be during perfect weather, a jetty is not a place you want to be during inclement weather.
If there are high winds it is very easy for you to be blown off the jetty and into the ocean. Jetties have no protection from the wind so you’re completely exposed to any strong gusts.
You also need to be aware of the tide and the waves. If the weather gets bad you stand the risk of being washed off of the jetty by large waves and carried out to sea. You also need to take measures for avoiding slips and falls in rain.
Solar dock lights can go a long way in providing more light in dark and stormy conditions. This is a great way to make your jetty or dock a safer place to be in all conditions.
Bring a Life Jacket
Jetties are places where the opportunity for an accident is everywhere. There are boats navigating the harbor, wind and waves, and people fishing. A life jacket is great to have should anyone be knocked into the water.
This is especially true for children. The ocean is a dangerous place even for strong swimmers, so having a life jacket for your children is a move that you won’t regret. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to jetty safety.
Look for Ladders
Life jackets are a great tool to ensure safety at a jetty, but another step you should take is to find a jetty that has a ladder into the water. It is smart to stick to an area with a ladder because it makes it much easier to get out of the water if someone falls in.
If you’re at a place on the jetty that doesn’t have a ladder with access to the water then anyone that falls into the water will be looking at a long swim back to shore.
Be Aware of Dangerous Fish
There is a lot of beautiful and harmless fish in the ocean, but it is important to remember that there are also fish that are harmful to humans.
Some fish sting people that they encounter. Butterfly cod, scorpion cod, and catfish are all dangerous to swim around and encounter because they sting when they feel threatened.
You also need to consider stonefish. Stonefish are among the most venomous fish in the world. They’re related to the scorpionfish and if you’re stung by one you need to seek medical attention immediately.
A stonefish sting is fatal if you don’t access medical attention and the anti-venom in a short amount of time.
Bring First Aid
No one brings a first aid kit with the hopes of needing it, but it is always smart to make sure you have one with you when participating in outdoor activities like fishing off of a jetty.
Some important things to include in your first aid kit are antiseptic cream and anti-inflammatories. You’ll also want to be sure to include bandaids and small pliers for removing hooks and barbs, especially if you’re going fishing.
Ensure Good Jetty Condition
One step that you should always take when planning to spend time on or fish off of a jetty is to check the jetty’s condition. It is very dangerous to spend time on a damaged or unmaintained jetty.
Poorly maintained docks and jetties are a very dangerous place for you and your family. This is especially true if you plan on fishing from one.
You’re Ready to Spend Time on the Jetty
Jetties are a great place to spend some time having family fun out in the sun. Whether relaxing and enjoying great weather or fishing with your family, it is important to remember and practice jetty safety.
Be sure to wear bright colors and always check the weather before heading to the jetty. You should also bring sunscreen and other gear to protect yourself from the sun.
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