Safety

Summer Safety Tips from OCPD         Fire Prevention & Life Safety Tips

 

 Ocean Swimming Safety Tips

• Only swim when lifeguards are on duty (from 10am to 5:30pm).
• Stay close to a lifeguard when in the water.
• If you are not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow water.
• Watch out for deep drop-offs in the ocean floor.
• Use sunscreen to avoid painful sunburn.

If You Get Stung by a Jellyfish:

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• While the area is still wet, put meat tenderizer (like Accent or MSG) on it.
• Take Benadryl (medicine) to reduce the reaction.
• If it gets worse, see a doctor.

Rip Currents: These are strong water flows that pull you away from the beach. If you get caught in one:

• Don’t panic!
• Don’t swim against the current.
• Swim sideways (parallel to the beach) until you are out of the current.
• If you can’t get out, float calmly. When the current weakens, swim back to shore.

Remember: No swimming after 5:30pm. “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand.”

Learn more about Ocean City Beach Patrol Safety

 If You Need Medical Help

• Always carry your insurance card or travel insurance info.
• Most clinics and urgent care centers require payment (cash or card) at the time of service.
• Keep your receipts to get money back from your insurance later.
• For small health problems (like sunburn or a cold), do not go to the emergency room.
• In a real emergency (bad injury or illness), call 911. You will be taken to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin (8 miles away).
• Take your passport and insurance info with you.

If you get hurt at work:

• Tell your boss right away.
• Employers must pay for medical bills for work-related injuries.

Hot Weather Safety

• Drink lots of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
• Avoid drinks with alcohol or lots of sugar.
• Eat food or drinks with salt and minerals if you are sweating a lot.
• Wear light, loose clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 15+).
• Avoid the sun between 11am–4pm when it’s hottest.
• Take breaks in the shade or inside.

Heat Stroke Warning Signs:

• Very high body temperature (103°F or more)
• Red, dry, hot skin (no sweating)
• Headache, dizziness, confusion, or passing out

If someone shows these signs:

1. Call 911.
2. Move them to the shade.
3. Cool them down with water, fans, or wet cloths.
4. Do not give them anything to drink.

   

‍Bicycle Safety in Ocean City

• Obey traffic signs and lights.
• Ride with traffic, not against it.
• Use bike lights at night (front and back).
• Do not ride on sidewalks.
• Only one person per bike.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars.
• No headphones or earplugs in both ears while riding.

 Free Bike Lights may be available. Ask your sponsor, employer, or the police department.

 Moped & Scooter Rules

• You must register your scooter and have a license or permit.
• Always drive on the right side of the road.
• Do not drive on sidewalks.
• Carry your insurance and license with you.

‍Police and Safety

• You can trust the police. They are here to help.
• If you break the law, you may be arrested, fined, or go to jail (Ocean City Police Department 6501 Coastal Hwy).

 Crime Prevention Tips from Ocean City Police

• Always lock your house, apartment, or room—even if you’re just leaving for a short time.
• Lock your bike or scooter with a strong lock. Use bike racks whenever possible.
• Don’t leave valuables (phones, wallets, cash, passports) out in the open or unattended.
• Be aware of scams—don’t give money or personal information to strangers.
• Walk in groups at night, and stay in well-lit areas.
• Do not accept rides from strangers.
• If you see something suspicious, report it right away.

 Stay safe by using common sense and being aware of your surroundings.

 Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 410-723-6610

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