Let's Go To The Beach

                                     Beach Safety Tips


As Spring Break and warmer weather quickly approach, so does the opportunity to go to one of the best destinations in Florida: the beach. Although the beach is super fun, it's important to remember to be safe. There are many opportunities for danger at the beach that we don't think about, normally. Here are a few tips about how to stay safe at the beach!

• Learn To Swim. This sounds silly, but it's the best way to protect yourself in and around water. This applies to both children and adults. Swim lessons are often given at the local YMCA and are proven to be very effective.
• Check Surf Conditions. Check the weather conditions before you enter the water and make sure no warnings are posted. (Red flag = swimming is prohibited. Yellow flag = dangerous conditions.)
• Watch Out For Aquatic Life. Watch out for Jelly Fish, especially Man-O-Wars! These are a type of jellyfish that appears harmless, but is actually extremely poisonous. If you get stung, rinse the infected area immediately with cool water and seek medical attention if needed.
• Never Fake Calls For Help. If you're ever in real danger, you can signal a lifeguard by waving your arms and shouting "help!" Always follow a lifeguards instructions, they are professionally trained in beach and water safety.
• Drink Plenty Of Water. Even if you don't feel that thirsty, still drink a lot. Try to avoid alcohol and caffeine, they just dehydrate your body more.
• Protect Your Skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive, and always wear sunblock of at least 15 SPF or higher. The sun is the hottest between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, so try to avoid too much exposure during that time.
• Protect Your Eyes. Sunglasses with UV protection are a must have at the beach. Your sunglasses should absorb a minimum of 90% of UV rays.
• Protect Your Feet. Not only should you wear some form of shoes to protect your feet from getting burned, but also to protect from glass or sharp shells that might be hiding in the sand.
• Watch For Signs Of Heat Stroke. Heat stroke can be life-threatening. Symptoms include hot, red, dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and shallow, rapid breathing. This one doesn't only apply to the beach, being outside anywhere for a long period of time can cause these symptoms.

 

Source: SouthFloridaVacation.com

DUI Checkpoint Controversy

                           DUI Checkpoint Controversy

Do drunken-driving checkpoints violate drivers' constitutional rights? Well that's what Warren Redlich, a South Florida attorney, thinks. And it turns out that many people agree with him. According to Warren, drivers don't have to speak to police or even roll down their windows. They just have to place their license and registration on the glass, along with a note saying they have no comment, won't permit a search and want a lawyer. Warren and an associate have even made a website dedicated to this idea and made several viral videos that show them refusing to interact with authorities.

Warren states that he is not doing this to protect drunk drivers, but rather to protect the innocent. He claims that he has many clients who passed their breath-alcohol tests but are still facing DUI charges because an officer "smells an odor" coming from the vehicle. Not very surprisingly, law enforcement officers do not approve of this tactic. Speaking and the use of words is necessary for the checkpoints to work properly. Law enforcement officials point out that in 1990 the US Supreme Court upheld the use of random DUI checkpoints, concluding they don't violate constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure.

Legal professionals are uncertain whether or not Warren's tactic will hold up in court. This seems to be a topic that has public opinion split into two separate directions. What do you think? Do you have the right to refuse interaction with the police? I'm sure this topic will be intensely debated for a while; you have not heard the last of it.


Source: http://news.yahoo.com/florida-lawyer-sparks-debate-rights-dui-checkpoints-172407203.html

Safety Can Be Stylish

                         Tips On How To Make Safety Stylish

We all know that seat belts can be annoying. Especially when they rub against your shoulder, leaving that horribly uncomfortable red line on your skin. No one likes that. But seat belts are a very necessary part of driving. Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half. An easy solution is to purchase a seat belt shoulder pad. That sounds pretty weird, but it can actually be a fashion statement. You could get a cute bow to show off your girly side (like the one above) or many patterns including polka dots and stripes. I'm sure there are some guys rolling their eyes at this right now, but based on a scientific study in 2010 men are 10% less likely to wear seat belts than women. That's why there's also many designs that men would find appealing, such as sports teams.

 Safety doesn't only apply to cars though. Bicycles on the roadway are, by law, vehicles with the same rights, and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. Did you know that two percent of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists with serious injuries to the head. Helmet use has been estimated to reduce head injury risk by 85 percent! Although wearing a helmet may not be the most comfortable feeling in the world, you can still make it stylish. For women, I've personally found Eleanor's  bicycling website to be the best. You can check out some cool helmets by clicking HERE. If you're more into efficiency and not appearance, there are many helmets available in bicycle shops and local super stores that will also do. Bicycling is a fun activity, but always remember the importance of wearing the proper safety gear.



Source: http://www.cdc.gov/Motorvehiclesafety/seatbelts/facts.html