You've slathered the kids in sunscreen, packed the umbrella and loaded the cooler with drinks and snacks. Their personal flotation devices are stowed and ready to go. You've covered all the bases when it comes to beach safety, right?

Well, mostly. While jellyfish stings don't happen all the time, and shark attacks are even rarer, it can't hurt to be prepared just in case. 

Swimming smart when it comes to sharks
Even though shark attacks are not common, they are a big source of fear for parents and kids alike.

The International Shark Attack File reported 50 shark attacks in the United States in 2007. Most of those occurred along the Florida coast. The file is maintained by the University of Florida.

Most shark attacks occur in near-shore waters. While the relative risk of getting attacked by a shark is very small, play it safe by using caution when you wade in:

• Swim, dive or surf with others. Sharks are more likely to attack someone who's alone.
• Know which spots are dangerous. Avoid swimming between sandbars, near steep drop-offs, near channels or at river mouths where sharks are found.
• Steer clear of tainted water. Avoid areas with known runoff or sewage. Also keep away from spots where people are fishing, especially if there are signs of bait or feeding activity, such as diving seabirds.
• Don't believe old wives' tales. Some people say that spotting porpoises means no sharks are around. This is just not true. Both animals often seek out the same kinds of food.
• Be careful in murky water. Also, don't wear shiny jewelry that might look like the scales of a fish, and avoid contrasting, bright-colored clothing.
• Time your swim right. Do not swim at dusk or at night, when sharks are most active.
• Refrain from excessive splashing. And do not swim with pets in the water. Their erratic movements mimic those of sharks' prey.
• Stay on shore if you have an open wound. Do not enter the water if you are bleeding. Women and girls may want to avoid swimming if they are menstruating. Sharks can smell blood from far away.
• Keep calm if a shark is spotted. Move quickly and purposefully to shore but don't splash or thrash in the water.

Taking the sting out of jellyfish contact
Unlike sharks, jellyfish don't go out of their way to attack humans. But if their tentacles brush against your skin, you can end up with a nasty sting. Most jellyfish stings aren't always harmful to people. Some, though, can trigger serious reactions and even death.

• Know how to ID harmful types. A given area may be home to many kinds of jellyfish. Not all of these may be dangerous. Check with local marine science centers or schools to learn how to identify species with harmful stings.
• Understand how they move. Jellyfish can propel themselves up and down, but can't control their side-to-side movement. They drift on waves and currents instead. Knowing this may help keep you out of harm's way if you spot one.
• Don't touch beached jellyfish. They may look like a lifeless blob on the sand, but stingers can still cause harm if handled. Tentacles on the beach can still cause a sting for weeks.
• Know how to treat a sting. First, rinse with salt water. Fresh water can make the sting worse. Do not rub the area. Pouring household vinegar over the area may help release the tiny barbs that cause the sting. Leave the vinegar on for about 30 minutes or until the pain is gone. In the Chesapeake Bay area, the most common jellyfish is the sea nettle, whose stingers are resistant to vinegar. In this case, use a combination of sea water and baking soda.
• Remove any tentacles or stinging cells clinging to the skin. Scrape off the area with a firm object like a credit card, or apply shaving cream and shave the area with a razor. Always wear gloves when you touch the affected area.
• Know when to get help. If you're stung by a jellyfish that is known to be harmful, get out of the water and seek emergency care right away. Stings to the mouth, eyes or large areas of skin from any jellyfish will also require care in the emergency room. Urgent medical attention is needed for any sting that causes serious pain or swelling. Call 9-1-1 if someone stung has any trouble breathing, light-headedness, fainting or other signs of shock. Keep in mind that people who are very young, old or suffer from other medical conditions may be more likely to suffer a serious reaction.

The beach patrol or lifeguards may post warnings when there is a danger to swimmers. Always heed these warnings.

Related Articles First Aid for Common Emergencies Safety Rules for the Beach and Pool

External Sources International Shark Attack File. Reducing the risk of a shark encounter: advice to aquatic recreationists. Accessed July 24, 2008. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Sea science: jellyfish. Accessed July 24, 2008. International Shark Attack File. 2007 worldwide shark attack summary. Accessed July 24, 2008. Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Jellyfish stings. Accessed July 24, 2008.