We all love the sun and salt water, and who doesn't want to play in really choppy, high surf? It's fun to feel the waves surge around and beneath us, but we need to know the facts of beach safety to truly enjoy the Gulf Coast safely!

Sad but true, the healthy tan myth must be debunked. Though many people describe a tan as healthy, a tan is actually a sign of skin damage. Tans are caused by the sun's UV rays mutating the skin's cells, causing darkening. The price of getting a tan can be wrinkles, discoloration of the skin and even skin cancer.

It is best to avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its brightest and can do the most damage. Are you determined to hit the beach? Then apply sunscreen generously, rub it in well, and use a sun protection factor of 15 or more spf. Take the time to put sunscreen on 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply hourly.

Wearing a wide brim hat helps, too.

Watch for the flags - purple means dangerous marine  life and you need to take that seriously! If you get a minor sting from a jellyfish, meat tenderizer does take the burn out, but don't go in the water when the man-o-wars are reported.

And most importantly, a red flag warning of a high hazard, high surf and/or strong currents should be strictly obeyed.

If you find yourself in an undertow, remember to swim parallel to the shore and remain calm. After a while the pull away from shore will fade, and you can swim back in.

Fight in and you will lose every time!