Many families love to go to the beach during summer. That’s undeniable. People’s love for the outdoors and most especially the beach often reaches its peak when the kids are off from school. What better way to enjoy family bonding moments than to get some sunshine and get wet.
But for families with small kids, parents need to give safety a top priority when they bring their kids at the beach. Educating your children early on is important. This way, the kids get first hand information from you on the safe practices they should observe and the dangers that exist at the beach such as the waves, stingers, bluebottles and sunburn.
Parental supervision is crucial right from the time you arrive and notably when the kids are near or in the water. Don’t rely on the lifeguards because they only have two eyes. And do make sure that the beach you’re going to has a lifeguard.
Sun Protection
While they’re still kids, teach them to use the necessary sun protection. Apply sunscreen on your kids’ exposed skin several times including every time they go back to the water. The effectiveness of sunscreen is good only for a few hours.
Research has also shown that exposure to sun before age 18 increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Swim Together
If your child or children is going to swim, keep him or her company. It’s never good to swim alone, more so for a small kid. Even if you think and believe your kid is a good swimmer in the pool, it’s a different setting when at the beach.
Also, swim only between the red and yellow flags and avoid the waves, more importantly the rip currents that can pull you into deeper waters.
Floaters
Do not let your child use any floater. Whether it’s the round one or the rectangle flat type where a person can lie down, it’s not advisable to use them at the beach. The current can bring the floater farther from the shore.
Jelly Fish and Bluebottles
Always avoid the jelly fish and bluebottles because they sting. Kids at the beach can be attracted to them but when a child suffers from a sting, it can be difficult to pacify him or her spoiling your beach trip. The problem can also take time to go away.
Sharks
There have been many incidents of shark attacks although they may be rare. But again, it pays to be cautious and alert to avoid becoming a victim. So when a lifeguard announces to get out of the water, follow him or her at once without any delay. They know what their job so there’s no reason to question them.
Originally posted on June 10, 2013 @ 4:30 am
