Have fun, but use caution at coast.

Byline: REBECCA NOLAN The Register-Guard

As Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer season at the Oregon Coast, safety officials issued a number of warnings in the hope that previous tragedies will prevent new losses.

The beach is home to many unforeseen dangers, starting with the ocean itself, said Robert Smith, beach safety education coordinator for the state Parks and Recreation Depart- ment.

"As the weather gets warmer, taking a dip in the inviting waters of the ocean becomes more enticing," he said.

But the Pacific Ocean off Oregon's coast is a chilly sea, with temperatures at 52 to 54 degrees this time of year. "That gives a person about 15 minutes before hypothermia sets in," Smith said.

He also warned against rip currents, or rivers of water rushing out to sea that can trap waders, swimmers and surfers in their watery grip.

When caught in a riptide, the best thing to do is swim parallel to the beach until you're free of the current, then swim to shore, Smith said. And make sure someone has called 911 before you jump in to help a struggling swimmer, in case you both end up needing rescue, he said.

Maybe you decide to stay on land to avoid such dangers. Don't get too comfortable. There are plenty of risks awaiting beachcombers, as well: waves, logs, the tide, and unstable cliffs and rocks all pose potential threats.

Never turn your back on the ocean, Smith said. Every now and then, a larger-than-normal wave will break, taking people by surprise, hence the name "sneaker wave."

"Sneaker waves are unpredictable and very powerful," he said. "They come out of nowhere and can be deadly."

In March 1999, a 6-year-old boy drowned after a large wave swept him and two other children off Sunset Beach near Charleston. The boy had turned his back to the ocean when the wave pulled the children out to sea. The boy's sister and another child were rescued.

Another danger, particularly for children, are drift logs dumped on the wet sand or in the surf by flooded coastal rivers. The logs look like fun to climb and play on, but they can be deadly.

In the past decade, at least 12 people have died on the Oregon Coast in log accidents. It takes just 4 inches of water to move a five-ton log, Smith said.

In March 1998, a 10-year-old Tigard girl died on the beach at Yachats when a log rolled and crushed her. She had been playing on it when a wave struck.

A little preparation can protect you from unexpected dangers. Smith advised visitors to grab a tide table before hitting the sand. Tables are available from state park rangers and at a number of coastal businesses.

"Nothing ruins a day of tide-pooling quicker than being stranded by the incoming tide," he said.

Incoming tides contributed to the deaths of two teen-agers swept out to sea in April 2000. Five boys hiking along rocks near Sunset Bay State Park became stranded as the tide rose. All five were knocked over by 15- to 20-foot waves . Three were able to cling to the rocks but two boys disappeared into the ocean.

Smith also cautioned beachgoers to stay away from cliffs and rocks, which could be unstable after months of winter storms. He urged visitors to stay on marked trails and to wear appropriate shoes because rocks can be slippery and lead to falls.

BEACH SAFETY TIPS

Never turn your back to the ocean

Stay away from logs on the wet sand or in the surf

Know when the tide comes in

Be careful on cliffs and rocks

- State Parks and Recreation Department