What do you think? Is it too soon to start thinking about summer and all of the beach vacations you’ll be having with your children? In this article, we’ll explore ten essential beach safety tips to help parents keep their kids safe and happy during their adventure to the beach.
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After all, summer will be here before we know it, which means it is time to start planning beach vacations! A day at the beach with your family may be a wonderful experience, as long as you follow a few basic safety precautions. And don’t forget to walk with your beach essentials.
Check out the ten beach safety recommendations for kids listed below before you plan your next beach vacation. This will ensure that your next day at the beach is both safe and fun for all of your family members.
1. Remember to Bring Your Water Shoes.
A good pair of water shoes is essential for keeping small feet safe while they explore the beach and the waves. They protect children from injuries caused by sharp pebbles or debris that may have found its way into the sand and water.
2. Don’t Forget the Sanitizer.
The use of hand sanitizer is always recommended because it will come in handy after restroom trips, swimming, and just before you eat something. Simply pack a small bottle in your beach bag ahead of your trip so that you can readily access it when you need to do some cleaning.
3. Check the Water Conditions Prior to Your Departure.
Check with the lifeguard or at the gate check-in to see what the water conditions are like regularly. Rough waves, high tides, and undercurrents are all indicated by flags on most beaches to alert you to the presence of these hazards. Before you set foot on the sand, verify the water conditions and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and others safe.
4. Bring Some Form of Shade With You.
Even if you are at the beach to enjoy the sun, make sure to bring a source of shade in case anyone wants to take a break from the heat. A simple umbrella or pop-up tent would suffice in most cases, providing a safe haven for anyone who needs to get out of the sun for a while.
5. Reapply Sunscreen as Needed.
Reapply and ensure that your child receives enough protection. While the majority of parents are excellent at applying sunscreen, not all of them reapply it as frequently as they should. Keep in mind that you should reapply sunscreen if your child gets out of the water, becomes too sweaty, or if they are exposed to the sun for longer than two hours.
6. With Children, Discuss Water Depth Safety Carefully.
Your children must understand what constitutes a safe water depth. When children are splashing around, knee-deep water is usually plenty for their needs. Older children may be alright with getting up to their thighs in water. Instruct them not to go any further into the water unless an adult is there.
7. A Flag or a Bright Piece of Fabric Should be Attached to a Pole Near Your Beach Area for Reference.
Children can quickly become disoriented in the midst of all the activity at the beach, so a colorful flag or piece of fabric placed prominently can assist them in locating you in a hurry. Consider erecting a simple flag and PVC pipe so that if they become separated from you, they can quickly locate your location by looking up.
8. Bring a Lot of Water With You.
It is tempting to believe that juice and soda will suffice, but for a long and hot day in the sun, you will need to bring plenty of water. Prepare plenty of freshwater for drinking and handwashing in case sand gets into your eyes or mouth, or in case you need to rinse it out of your eyes or mouth if necessary.
9. Use the Buddy System to Your Advantage.
There is usually a sense of security when there are a lot of people. If you are swimming, playing in the sand, rushing to get a snack, or taking a toilet break, always have a companion with you to help you. Make certain that each child understands that they should do these activities with a friend for their own safety and to ensure that no one is left alone.
10. When Packing Food Items, You Should Try to Bring Only Non-Perishable Items to Minimize the Risk of Spoilage.
Cheese, mayonnaise, yogurt, and other similar things will not fare well in the sun and, if they become too hot, may cause illness. Instead, bring objects that can survive the heat or that can be readily stored in a cooler to the event.
In Conclusion.
There is no doubt that the beach can be a fun destination, but safety should always be your first priority. By following these 10 beach safety recommendations for kids and families alike, you can make it a safe one as well! So put on your favorite beach wear and spend the day at the beach. You’ll enjoy it!