The days of summer are just weeks away, and they are meant to be enjoyed at the New Jersey shore. Visitors should be aware of accidents that can happen even while on the beach or in the surf.

Dangers at the shore include:

·        Holes in the beach that cause twisted ankles or broken bones.

·        Heavy waves that knock you into the surf and cause back and neck injuries.

·        Deep cuts from stepping on seashells on the beach.

·        Rip currents/drowning.

Deep beach holes can cause injuries to runners and walkers if they fall into a hole or put their foot in one and twist an ankle.

In New Jersey, you are permitted to dig holes on the beach if they only take up a small area and are no deeper than the knees of the smallest person in the group. There is no `tunneling allowed.

Rip currents can pull anyone away from the shoreline. So. it is important to swim near lifeguards. Should you get caught in a rip current, do not swim against the rip toward shore, but instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the rip current.

The beach is usually smooth, but running or walking in the sand can cause sprains and torn ligaments if you step into a hole. It’s best to keep an eye out for hazards and avoid walks or runs on the beach after dark.

How to be safe at the beach

·        Make sure everyone in the family learns to swim.

·        Swim at beaches patrolled by lifesavers.

·        Swim between the red and yellow flags (if posted).

·        Always swim with a friend.

·        Read and obey the safety and warning signs.

·        Ask a lifeguard if you aren’t sure of the surf conditions.

In certain instances, there may be legal responsibility on the part of either the individual or entity that created or allowed a dangerous condition to exist. If you have any questions, you should contact a qualified attorney.

Cooper Levenson is a full-service law firm established in 1957. The firm includes 70 attorneys with offices in Atlantic City and Cherry Hill, N.J.; New York, N.Y.; Wilmington, Del.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla, and Las Vegas, Nev. Randolph Lafferty, and Kathleen Beers are personal injury attorneys and can be reached at (609) 572-7788.