World Ocean Day: Celebrating Our Mighty Waters

Every year, on June 8th, the Earth comes together to celebrate World Ocean Day. It’s not expressly about water safety, but this annual global event serves as a staunch reminder of the value of our oceans. It is dedicated to protecting and conserving our oceans. Besides being a fun place for boating and swimming, oceans are extremely important to our lives. Together, it is our responsibility to preserve and care for these magnificent bodies of water.

What is World Ocean Day?

To begin, World Ocean Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008. That said, its origins actually date way back to 1992 when it was proposed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The day is designed to raise awareness about many critical issues facing our oceans, including pollution and overfishing.

Our oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and are necessary for sustaining life. They provide food, regulate the climate, and produce over half of the world's oxygen. Beyond that, oceans are home to a diverse range of marine life and ecosystems. Protecting these vital resources is essential for the health and well-being of all living creatures, including humans!

Exploring World Ocean Day Activities

On World Ocean Day, various activities take place around the globe. Through events, educational programs, and community activities, World Ocean Day aims to foster deeper connections between human beings and our waters. 

Some of these activities include:

• beach clean-ups,
• educational workshops,
• art contests,
• and environmental campaigns.

Across the planet, schools, communities, and organizations participate in efforts to reduce plastic pollution, promote sustainable fishing practices, and support marine protected areas. Everyone of us is encouraged to get involved to help make a positive impact on our oceans.

Saving Ourselves Along with the Open Water

As we celebrate World Ocean Day, it's crucial to remember that enjoying our oceans safely is paramount. Here are some general open water safety tips to keep in mind:

Know the Weather and Water Conditions 

If you’re headed to a beach for, say, a clean-up activity, that’s a terrific way to celebrate. Cleaning up clutter, oil and other debris is a fabulous way to protect the sand and the waters. That said, never forget that the water can be dangerous… even if you’re not planning to go for a swim!

Before heading out to the beach or engaging in any water-related activities, always check the weather forecasts. Unpredictable storms and rough waters can pose serious risks to your health. Pay attention to local advisories, warnings, and any possible flags that indicate dangerous water conditions.

Speaking of dangerous conditions, rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers away from the shore. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, remember to remain calm. Do not try to swim against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of danger, then swim back to the shore at an angle. For more information, read our blog about escaping rip currents.

Drink Up! Stay Hydrated and Protect Your Skin

The sun and the sea are a wonderful pair, but too much can be hazardous to your health! Spending too much time in the heat can dehydrate a person quickly. While outside, be sure to take plenty of breaks and drink enough water to stay hydrated. Additionally, use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Beyond that, reapply your lotion regularly, as it wears off over time.

Remain Aware of Marine Life

While exploring the ocean, you may encounter various forms of marine life. Some sea creatures, like jellyfish or sea urchins, can be deceptively dangerous. Their stings can cause serious injuries, even death. Above all, the goal is to share the ocean in harmony with the wildlife. That means that people should avoid touching or disturbing marine life whenever possible.

Clean Up the Litter! Respect the Ocean Environment

As part of open water safety, it’s important to respect the ocean environment. Remember, never litter or leave trash behind. Plastics and other debris can harm marine life and ecosystems. As we celebrate World Ocean Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty and importance of our oceans. To learn more, be sure to visit the United Nations' official website for further information.