Beach safety app adds new hazard warning feature

There is yet another reason to stay glued to our phones.

The myBeachCast smartphone app, released in 2011 by the Great Lakes Commission, has just added a new feature — beach hazard warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The free app is available for download here.

Although drownings appear to be on track to fall from a record high in 2012, the overall trend from the past several years have seen consistent increase, according to the Great Lakes Surf Commission. The hazard warnings on the app informs users when and where there is a potential for dangerous rip currents.

In addition to the hazard warnings, the app will continue to feature lake temperature, beach locations and other components.

“The app is GPS enabled to allow a user to discover local Great Lakes beaches based on their location, save favorite beaches and view real-time information [on conditions],” said Christine Manninen, communications director of the Great Lakes Commission.

The app will hopefully reduce drownings, she said.  

“Having the information at their fingertips gives people a better chance of making smarter decisions to protect their own health and safety and their family’s.”

The Great Lakes Commission also encourages basic safety rules when heading out to enjoy the lakes, such as:

-Have children wear life jackets
-Refrain from swimming near structures like breakwalls or piers
-Try to float and then swim out to shore if caught in a current, and draw attention to yourself by shouting and waving your arms
-If concerned about conditions, like strong waves or winds, don’t go out