Spring break is all about taking some time away from the rigors of everyday school and work and enjoying the finer things that life has to offer. Naturally, there is no better place to embrace this mindset than on the water! Beginning in late February and lasting through April, Americans everywhere will shed their backpacks and work clothes for beach towels, making the annual trek to the coast.
Whether you’re flying with your sorority sisters to Panama City, FL on the Gulf Coast or taking a family road trip to Lake Havasu in Arizona, we’ve put together a helpful list of tips and resources to make sure the weather and your vacation environment doesn’t ruin the fun!
Anyone who takes a trip to the water wants as much ample sunshine as possible. But too much sun can certainly be a bad thing. After being wrapped and bundled up all winter, your skin is extra sensitive and prone to sunburn. Lucky for you, it’s easy to protect yourself from a painful sunburn. So, lather up in sunscreen, check the UV forecast and make sure to bring a hat!
Let’s be honest, mother nature doesn’t take a spring break. Weather conditions are extremely volatile during the spring season, as more frequent clashes between warm and cold air masses increases the chance of severe weather.
Monitor the Forecast: Weather conditions can change quickly and forecasts are updated several times a day. Luckily, you can always stay connected to your local NWS office for the most current forecasts. A list of the local offices for popular spring break destinations below.
Stay Weather Aware: If you happen to get caught in bad weather, there’s an app for that! Make sure mobile weather warnings are enabled on your phone for the up to the minute information on active severe weather warnings in your location. And as always, be sure to look over the NWS’s information on what you can do to be Storm Ready.
Boating Safety: Whether on the ocean or the lake, there isn’t a much worse place to be than a boat when the weather turns bad. Check out what you can do to limit your exposure to weather problems while cruising on water.
Florida
Louisiana
Texas
Puerto Rico
Arizona/Nevada
California
Mid-winter polar plunges are probably not an idea of a fun activity for most people. So, it’s probably been since last summer since your last dip in the ocean or lake. It’s important to remember the unique hazards that come with ocean or lake swimming.
Tides: The ocean is a very dynamic system, always moving and shifting through a labyrinth of currents and waves. Keep an eye on the daily tide reports, which you can find for any coastal location here.
Rip Currents: Perhaps the most deadly and misunderstood beach hazard is the rip current. Don’t get caught unprepared! Make sure you review the NWS tips and tricks on how to spot a rip current and what to do if you are caught in one.
Harmful Alga: Known as the “red tide”, these little plants can be toxic when present in large numbers. What’s more, alga blooms are most common along the beaches of Florida and the Gulf Coast. Be sure to check in NOAA’s latest forecast and advisories for any potential alga outbreaks.
So here’s to a happy, fun and safe spring break season, wherever your final destination may be!
