So you have planned to head for the beach and waves on spring break this year? I don't blame you, I would too if I could!

Now I realize some of you have been in semi-hibernation all winter long and have fallen out of shape just a bit. Don't worry most people won't notice the minor winter flab and snow white flesh. But just remember you may not be in your peak physical condition to pull off some of your typical/desired stunts once you get there, and that includes a long swim in cold water after a few intoxicating beverages (don't drink and swim.)

Here are 10 water safety tips I have complied for you to pack with your swim suit and T-shirt.

Tip #1: Never swim alone.

If you get in trouble there is no one there to help you out. Always swim with a friend, around other swimmers and if possible in front of a manned lifeguard stand.

Tip #2: Don't exceed your capability in the water.

If you can't swim or you are a very poor swimmer do not venture out beyond where you can easily stand. There are often holes to fall in and if you are already in water up to your neck, that hole will likely put you in water over your head.

Tip #3: Check for warning flags.

Check the lifeguard stand to see if there are any warning flags posted before you enter the water. The most common flags are for; high surf, dangerous rip currents, stinging sea creatures and dangerous along shore currents near jetties and piers.

Tip #4: Watch water and waves.

Watch the water and waves for a while before you go in. That will allow you to assess how big some of the larger waves may be and whether there are any currents or rip current where you plan to swim.

Tip #5: Yell for help.

If you cannot swim or you are a poor swimmer and get caught in a rip current, the first thing to do is yell for help or quickly ask a swimmer near you for help.

I call the rip current the "silent killer" because I have seen many people rescued by lifeguards and rescued a few of them myself that never said a word; they would have just drowned in silence and unfortunately some do! You need to yell for help before you get in water over your head if you cannot swim, otherwise you will not be yelling, just sinking! Wave your hands for help as well, especially if you are beyond being heard.

Do anything you can to attract attention so others can come to your aid before it's too late. Don't worry no one will remember you once you are back on the beach, but they will remember you if they have to haul you off in a bag!

Tip #6: Remain calm.

If you swim well, and you get caught in a rip current there are a few simple things to do. First remain relaxed. Swim parallel to the beach (not toward shore) for about 30 yards. Because rip currents are "usually" narrow, less than 30 yards across, you will swim out of the rip current by doing this. Then you can swim toward shore easily.

If the rip is very strong and you are quickly being pulled out faster than you are able to swim toward shore, then yell for help and wave for help. Don't fight the rip current; remember a good swimmer can float for a long time in salt water.

Let the rip current take you out where you can float safely "beyond the breaker zone" until you can be rescued. But remember this method requires you to be a pretty good swimmer. Also remember the farther out you get the harder it is for anyone to hear your yell or see your hands waving!

Tip #7: Don't be a hero.

If you are in the surf with a pal and he/she is a poor swimmer and gets caught in a rip current, don't try be the hero! If you are not a very good swimmer and you are not trained to rescue, call for professional help to aid in the rescue as fast as possible.

It is unfortunate, but not infrequently the person that tries to rescue ends up being the one who drowns while the original victim is saved. Or both individuals drown! This is especially true when the original victim is much large in size/weight that the rescuer who is not a good swimmer!

Tip #8: Again, ask for help.

If you are a parent on the beach and see your child in trouble, yell for help before you venture in the water and venture in only if you are a good swimmer. You will have given your child the best chance for survival, assuming you followed my tip #1.

If you are a good swimmer and trained in rescue, go ahead yourself after your child as you yell for help.

Tip #9: Watch the waves.

When waves get large and are coming toward the beach at an angle, they cause a current to form that pulls up or down the beach. Make sure you do not venture into the surf just up-current from a pier or jetty where you can be pulled toward that man-made obstacle.

These obstacles are normally covered with sharp barnacles or sharp muscles that easily cut. Waves can hurl you into a rock jetty or pier piling causing serious injury.

Tip #10: Think before you jump.

Finally, never jump or dive into water of unknown depth! You can imagine the outcome if water is very shallow! This is most commonly associated with the inebriated show-off.

OK, now you are ready. Go out there and have a great spring break. If you follow these simple tips you should come home in one piece and have a treasure chest of great memories. But if you don't your spring break could be a nightmare you would prefer to forget.

Have a safe trip!