Beach season is here. Well, almost!
Before you pull out the swimgear and head out for a day of splashing with the kids, take a few minutes to ensure that a fun day at the beach isn’t marred by injuries or accidents.
Here are some summer safety tips for kids at the beach:
1. Always Keep Kids Under Your Watch
Yes, that is non-negotiable. Don’t let kids wander off on their own too far or for too long. Always keep an eye on them and if possible, keep them within yelling distance so that you can warn them about large waves or any other potential danger.
2. Teach Kids About Rip Currents and Waves
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that can pull you or a kid in really fast. Teach kids to swim or play in the water near the lifeguard tower and to always, always check for signs or ask the lifeguard about the water conditions.
If you feel that a rip current is pulling you out, don’t panic. Yes, don’t panic. Instead, swim parallel to the beach, raise your arm and indicate you need help.
Teach kids, especially young ones, to always swim with grown-ups because waves too can be very deceptive and can cause serious injuries.
3. Stay Safe on the Sand
Kids love feeling the soft sand under their bare feetbut really should ware water shoes or sandals. Footwear will prevent their feet from getting scorched when the sand is too hot and also, to prevent them from getting cut by large, jagged shells as they go seashell hunting.
4. Avoiding Jellyfish…Always
Teach your kids to identify a jellyfish and never, ever touch it. The beautiful blue variety of jellyfish can actually be quite tempting for a curious child and a sting may mar your day at the beach. So, make sure kids know never to approach a jellyfish or try and touch it.
Should they still get stung, rush to the nearest lifeguard station for instant first aid.
5. Sunburn Safety
Finally, make sure you carry enough broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and keep reapplying it regularly to prevent sunburn. Keep kids covered as much as possible and in the shade especially when the sun is at its hottest, between 11 AM and 4 PM, and make sure they don’t get dehydrated.
How do you keep kids at the beach safe from the sun and other summer hazards?
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace medical advice and is strictly for informational purposes.
Photo Credit: Andrew Malone
