A beach vacation is fun for the whole family. Sun, sand, shore and water offer something for everyone. But for all of the wonderful, healthy activities time spent by the seaside offers, caution needs to be taken. These tips are geared towards keeping kids safe in and around the ocean, but they are good ideas for adults as well.
Helping Kids Stay Safe in the Water Improves a Beach Day for Everyone
Younger kids should never go swimming without an adult and/or a lifeguard nearby. Instruct older kids to follow these safety rules whenever they head for a swim in the sea:
- Always swim in groups of two or more. If one person gets into trouble, it’s best to have a buddy nearby.
- A smart rule of thumb for non-swimmers is to not go into water any higher than their thigh. Kids who are good swimmers should not go into water above their chest area.
- While in the ocean, have swimmers pick a permanent landmark on the beach. A house, lifeguard stand or hamburger hut is a good target because those things don’t move. While in the water, the swimmer should make an effort to stay in front of this landmark. Having a landmark helps kids keep their bearings while they are in the ocean, where strong currents can pull them in one direction or another without them noticing.
- Keep a sharp eye out for other people or items in the water – rafts, kayakers, windsurfers, fishermen.
- Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by life preservers or other flotation devices. A child who is not an experienced ocean swimmer should not go into water over her head just because she is on a tube or raft.
- Ocean conditions can change rapidly. Kids should be aware of incoming storms or winds that can cause calmer water to become choppy and treacherous in a matter of minutes.
In its own way, the sun can be as powerful and dangerous as the ocean itself. A bad sunburn is painful and can effectively ruin a beach vacation for the sufferer. Make certain children have access to the proper provisions to prevent sunburn or sun poisoning.
- It’s best to set up a beach umbrella or other portable canopy so that kids have a place where they can go for complete shelter from the rays if they need to.
- Always carry a beach hat with a wide brim, as well sunscreen in various SPF (sun protection factor) strengths and sun block. Apply sunscreen often, particularly after swimming or engaging in activities that cause sweat. Don’t overlook easy-to-forget places like the tops of feet and behind the ears.
- Pack a cool, long-sleeved, lightweight cover-up.
- Carry lots and lots of bottled water. Playing and lying in the bright sun is dehydrating. Drink fresh water often while at the beach.
When it comes to ocean critters, sharks get the most press. And for good reason – no one wants to go for a swim and come face to snout with a huge, toothy fish. But in reality, it’s exceedingly rare for someone playing in the surf to be attacked by a shark. Other denizens of the deep are more likely to cause problems, so follow these tips to keep kids safe from bites, stings and burns.
Crabs, jellyfish and spiny sea urchins are the type of critters children are most likely to run afoul of while at the beach. None of these creatures is naturally aggressive towards humans, but they will snap or sting in reaction to an accidental encounter.
Oysters, clams and other mussels can also cause injury when they attach themselves to rock or other formations where ocean meets sand. While birds and other predators usually feast on the mollusks themselves, the shells they leave behind are razor sharp. Kids should be cautious when playing in areas where lots of these shells are visible.
Carry a small first aid kit in the beach bag. Include clean wash clothes, waterproof band-aids, sterile wipes, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone creme, tweezers, matches, a needle and an aloe based cooling ointment. Also have some vinegar and/or baking soda on hand in order to neutralize the burn of stinging sea creatures.
Paying attention to water, sun and ocean critter safety will help kids stay happy and healthy while enjoying and exploring the beach. These seaside safety tips are easy to follow and simple to teach.
For other beach safety information, to include learning how to protect a young swimmer caught in a rip tide, please read Beach Safety: Teachings Kids How to Swim Safely in Ocean Water, Outdoor Summer Safety Tips for Kids and How to Prevent and Treat Sunburn at the Beach.
Source:
Kids Health Website. Swimming: Beaches (accessed on April 8, 2010).
Janice Fahy - Janice Fahy is a freelance writer who is comfortable researching and writing on just about any topic under the sun.
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