Sun, Sand... and Safety

Here are some practical tips to keep you safe on the beach.

PARK SMART
'It's always safer – and more convenient – to park close to your destination,' says COSMO's self-defence expert, Sanette Smit. But what if it's the most scorching Saturday of the summer, everybody's on the beach and there's not a parking space in sight? 'Avoid parking in areas that aren't well lit at night or have many bushes, or where you can be boxed in – for example, a cul-de-sac,' warns Smit. And if you do linger longer to enjoy the sunset, make sure you walk back to your car with a friend.

ME-TIME
'It's okay to go to the beach alone,' says Smit. 'Just make sure you stick to beaches that aren't isolated.' Choose a beach that is well populated – Camps Bay rather than Noordhoek in Cape Town, for example.

Captain Khumiso Seketema of the South African Police Service points out that preparation is important. If you are going to a beach that you are unfamiliar with, 'talk to the lifeguards or guesthouse owners to find out about crime in the area,' he says.

If someone does try to attack you, 'grab a handful of sand and throw it in your attacker's eyes, then run away as quickly as possible', says Smit. If you're walking, it's a good idea to hold sand in your hand – this way you'll be prepared if an attacker surprises you, she says.

STASH IT, DON'T FLASH IT!
You may have a brand-new Swarovski-encrusted cellphone that you're dying to flaunt – but now is not the time to show it off. Leave your valuables at home. 'Take your old cell phone to the beach and leave the new one at home,' says Smit. And most importantly, always check that your battery is fully charged in case you need to use it in an emergency.

If you do have valuables on you and are worried about leaving them in the car, go to the nearest police station. 'Talk to the station's commander and ask to have your things looked after,' says Seketema. 'This is possible at every police station in SA.'

And what if you fancy a dip but don't want to leave your bag alone? 'Asking someone you don't know to look after your things can be risky – but it's even riskier leaving them under your towel without anybody keeping an eye on them for you,' says Smit.

BE ALERT
'Many of the more popular beaches are patrolled by the police, especially around the holidays,' says Seketema. But this does not mean you should let your guard down.

'If you see a suspicious group of people, count how many of them there are,' says Smit. And if you notice later that one or two of them are no longer with the group, watch your back. 'Always trust your intuition – if you feel uncomfortable or sense danger, leave the area immediately.' Smit also warns of the 'confidence attack', in which the potential attacker sets up his victim through communication – for example, by asking for the time. Once you're distracted and off guard, he attacks. Be alert if anyone approaches you.

MAKE THE CALL
If you notice someone swiping a cellphone or bag, 'always make a noise about it', says Smit. 'Lifeguards have walkie-talkies to communicate and will be able to call the police immediately.' Seketema also suggests having the number of the nearest police station saved on your phone.

Author: Karen Robertson