Spending a day with the kids enjoying the sun, sand, and water activities is one of the best parts of summer. It’s a great opportunity for family bonding, and our children may come away with fond memories they will cherish forever. Unfortunately, the beach can also present a number of risks, such as sunburns, riptides, and jellyfish burns.
Following certain safety tips to reduce chances of drawing, injuries and sunburn can help ensure that a beach day remains fun. Here is how you can help keep your family safe this summer.
Pick a Suitable Beach
The best beach for young children or children with weak swimming skills is one with a sizable sandy beach area and a sandy sea surface. Avoid beaches with sharp drop-offs and seek one where the water is relatively shallow close to shore (if possible).
If this is not feasible, think about keeping your kids occupied with games, toys, and sandcastles on the beach while avoiding going into the water. Additionally, see if there are any warnings or high surf conditions in the local forecast for the day. Even if the surf appears to be strong, you can still have a lot of fun on the beach without entering the water.
You can always go to the neighbourhood surf or dive shops to ask for recommendations if you are unfamiliar with the beaches in the area you are visiting. Alternatively, ask the lifeguards at the beach which beaches or areas they suggest for your family.
Invest in Swim Vests
If you intend to bring a toddler to the beach, I advise that you buy a swim vest to keep safety and peace of mind at an all time high as it only takes a brief moment of distraction for your child to wander into the water. Additionally, knowing that your child is wearing a float vest gives you extra security and peace of mind that they won’t easily drown in the water.
A variety of swim vest designs are available today, ranging from models with arm floaties attached to vests that look like life jackets. Pick a vest that you believe your kid will feel at ease wearing. You’ll also want your kid’s vest to have padded shoulders, a safety strap, and an adjustable crotch strap. If a vest has all of these characteristics, it is likely of high quality.
Your toddler should feel comfortable wearing the vest. Neither too tight nor too loose is acceptable. Your child should be able to move freely while wearing it. The vest’s weight is another crucial aspect to take into account. Typically, foam or other buoyant materials are used to make swim vests. The heavier the vest, the more buoyant it will be. Select a float vest based on your child’s weight and swimming capabilities. The swim vest designs are frequently vividly coloured to make them stand out in the water.
If you intend to use the vest in murky or dark waters, make sure it is visible. You can find kids’ swim vests in the majority of stores that sell swimming equipment, but they are also accessible online. Make sure to compare prices and read reviews. This will help you find a reliable vest for your little one.
Have your child try on the life jacket at home to ensure it fits properly and to get a feel for how to fasten it before you head out to the beach. Most life jackets feature a variety of zippers and buckles. Many have crotch straps, leg straps, and snug fit that children must get used to. It’s helpful to understand how it works before getting on a shaky boat as well as before your child is already slick from sunscreen or sand.
Select Beaches That Have Lifeguards
To increase your family’s chances of staying safe, choose only beaches with lifeguards. In fact, according to a study, the likelihood of drowning on a beach without lifeguards is nearly five times higher than it is on a beach with lifeguards.
This does not mean, however, that you can entrust your children’s safety solely to the lifeguard. It’s common to see parents setting up next to the lifeguard station and letting their children play while they go to the bar. It is not the responsibility of the lifeguard to keep an eye on your children just because you are close to one – they have to scan the entire beach and watch out for everyone.
Teach Your Children to Request Permission
Young children tend to wander in the direction of the water when their parents are distracted. Disaster can happen in the brief period of time it takes to put on sunscreen or respond to a text. That said, consider teaching your children that they must first ask you or your partner before entering the water. Your beach safety plan will benefit from this extra layer of security.
Don’t Forget Sun Safety
According to dermatologists, all kids should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when spending any amount of time outside, no matter their skin tone. Infants who are under six months old should be kept out of the sun. When going outside, they should be dressed in airy clothing that covers their arms and legs. Don’t forget to include a hat with a brim as well. Protective clothing can also be considered for grow-ups.
There are creams, gels, sprays, and sticks of sunscreen available. Sticks work well around the eyes, creams are best for dry skin, and gels are best for hairy areas (like the scalp). Sunscreen sprays can make it difficult to determine how much to use, and there is a possibility that children could inhale the fumes. When using some sprays, you must prevent sparks or flames because they are also flammable.
