Riptides at the beach. Strong currents in the inlet. Distractions on State Road A1A.
And, oh yeah, hurricane season has arrived. Can’t you feel them circling, honey?
Be careful out there.
Since A1A is now officially the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, let me quote the great beach bar balladeer: “Fruitcakes in the kitchen, fruitcakes on the street, Struttin’ naked through the crosswalk in the middle of the week.”
I don’t know about fruitcakes, but there is definitely a healthy dose of near-nakedness in the beach crossings along A1A. I guess some driver distractions are more welcome than others.
But I digress.
Let's start with hurricane season. There’s a mass preoccupation with what may be brewing offshore and what category an approaching storm will reach. Ice cream cone debates (one scoop or two) become less important — and far less chilling — than getting the scoop on the cone of a hurricane’s forecast track.
If you’ve never been through a hurricane, just know this: If one hits us, we’re in for a heap of misery.
So, stock up on water and other essentials, make sure your generator is ready if you have one, and get your emergency evacuation plan in order.
Be prepared out there.
And not just for hurricanes.
Say, for instance, you go out for a refreshing dip in the ocean. As best as you can, choose lifeguarded areas when you’re at the beach and pay attention to signs warning of riptides and other dangers.
Be smart out there.
Take advantage of help that’s available to you. At the Boca Raton and Boynton inlets, safety has improved thanks to life ring donations in May from the Aden Perry Foundation. It didn’t take long for one of the new arrivals to serve its purpose, during a Memorial Day rescue at the Boynton Inlet just weeks after it was placed there.
Then there’s the elephant on the island — A1A — with lots of crosswalks in some areas and none in others. Use them when you can.
But please, don’t try to be macho when crossing A1A. If the crosswalk has a button to make lights flash, press it. Also, no one will think less of you if you carry one of those orange flags — provided at some crosswalks — as you cross the road.
Remember: It’s not about your abilities; it’s about the abilities of the driver coming at you. Have you seen how some people drive lately? Anything that can draw attention to yourself as you cross the street is a good thing.
Last of all, for drivers, I realize you’re facing plenty of distractions that have nothing to do with the amount of clothing worn by beachgoers. Avoid the urge to catch a glimpse of the ocean or see what’s behind the gate of an estate you’re passing.
Depending on the day, it may feel like it takes all of your energy just to watch out for those ubiquitous A1A bicyclists. Maybe you’re taxed having to drive through a road construction project that has shifting lanes and is loaded with traffic barrels and heavy equipment.
No matter the circumstance, the advice is the same: Pay attention out there.
— Larry Barszewski,
Editor
Replies