Beach Safety: 6 Tips to Keep Your Kid Safe

Keep Reading ↓

In the full swing of hot summer,  a trip to the beach with the kids is a must! Where else can you give your children sensory stimulation, fresh air, gross motor exercise– and fine motor too? And all while you are doing this, you’re getting some sun and sand yourself. Not too shabby of a day, weekend or week destination. With that said, you still have to be mindful of safety when you’re at the beach.

So if you are getting ready to gather the kids, sunblock and umbrella, mind these 5 tips for kid safety out in the sand and waves!

5 Tips to Keep Your Kid Safe

#1- The Ocean is not the Same as the Pool

Your kids may swim well in the pool, but the ocean surf is trickier to navigate than the backyard pool. You must make sure there is a lifeguard on duty before getting your kids in the ocean. And if possible, have very young kids or kids who can’t swim wear a coast-guard approved life-jacket when near the turf. This is not the time to be lax on safety. The ocean is powerful. With this in mind…

#2 Keep Watch for Rip Currents

Always swim parallel to the shore when caught in a rip current. If your kids cannot swim, let them know to float or tread water until out of the current. Once you’re “free” of the current you can head back towards the shore.

#3 Sunscreen Usage

Sure, your kid may tan golden in a heartbeat, but the sun is strong at the shore. Be sure to use sunscreen on young skins and your own. Skin cancer is not sexy!

Look for:

-waterproof formulations if your children and yourself will be in the water

-formulations with physical sun blockers like titanium and zinc for the kids (and yourself). I personally strictly use physical blockers in my sunscreeen

The Environmental Working Group will have good suggestions on sunscreen

-be sure to reapply based on the lotion’s recommendations

#4  Drink, Drink and Drink Water

Make sure your kiddos are staying hydrated. The sun and surf cane dehydrating. If your children don’t like to drink water, consider electrolyte drinks or mixing juice with water.

Some foods that are also great as hydrators and snacks are:

• melons of all kinds, especially watermelon
• cucumbers
• celery
• strawberries

#5 Buddy Up

Your children should be in the water with you unless they’re older. In that case, having a buddy system in the water will  help your kids as they head for the ocean.

#6 Check With the Lifeguards

Ask the lifeguards where the safest areas to swim are at the beach. They should be knowledgable about any potential “areas” to avoid.

At the end of the day, being safe and aware at the shore will lead for a wonderful day for both you and the children.