Summertime mostly means beach time for a lot of families. But, to have a great time at the beach, you must follow some beach safety rules for you and your family. Because beach time can also be very dangerous if you forget to take care of the beach safety rules. Oceans, rivers, and lakes are places where kids can splash around, dip their feet in the water, and build sandcastles. But, you should think ahead about the safety of your family and take extra precautions to prevent any mishap from happening. So, let us have a look at some beach safety tips for kids that you should know.
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Beach safety tips for kids that you should think o
According to CDC, almost 4,000 people die due to accidental drowning, and more deaths occur due to drowning between children aged 1-4 years of age. While a majority of drownings occur in swimming pools but, you should be careful when you are at the beach also. As soon as summer approaches, a beach vacation is at the back of each and every family. So, follow the following rules and enjoy your day at the beach.
Preparing your kids for the beach
If you are planning a day at the beach, planning a vacation near the beach, or are living near the beach. It is important that you talk to your kids regarding beach safety rules when they are at home and you have their undivided attention. Prepare them in advance. Because it is possible that if you talk to your kid when you reach the beach, then you might not have their full attention and they might not understand what you are trying to explain to them.
Always obey and follow the beach safety flags
Flags are used to warn the visitors about dangerous conditions. Green colored flag means that the ocean is calm and is easy to swim, a yellow flag means that there is some current and you should keep your caution while swimming. A red flag means that there are very strong currents and children are not advised to go into the ocean water. A double red flag means that the beach is not safe for the public and is closed to the public.
Use life jacket
Children should wear life jackets that are approved by the government when in the water. Even if they are just walking in the water up to their waist. Because the sea waves can make them lose their balance and they can drown in the sea. The child should be wearing either a lifejacket or a floatation device. So, that they can stay afloat till an adult comes to the rescue.
Swim near the lifeguard
All areas of the beach are not safe, and you should not swim in any area that you see. You should always pick up a beach with a lifeguard around. Beaches with no lifeguard around pose a greater risk of drowning. Do not be afraid to talk to lifeguards for advice. Lifeguards of the sea know the waves and current of the ocean like the back of their hands and can give you very good guidance. Lifeguards may be young or old, but, do not go by the age of the lifeguard. They definitely have very good knowledge about the oceans.
Protect your family from the sun
Most of the time there is no shady spot on the beach and you should not forget to carry a beach umbrella with you. The beach umbrella will give your family protection from the sun. Also, make sure that you keep on applying a lot of sunscreens and you apply it to your kids also otherwise they will get sunburns.
Sea Critters
Sea Critters do not mean octopuses, sharks, or any other dangerous creatures. Usually, they are the least of your worries. Sometimes jellyfish wash up on the seashores and kids love to play with jellyfish. But, there are some sea creatures that sting a lot and some seashells have insects inside them, whose bite may be poisonous. So, always be beware of these creatures. Usually, the cost guards make you aware of them. But, it is also necessary to take precautions ourselves.
Wear shoes on the sand
Most of the kids want to feel the sand beneath their feet and toes. They love to run around barefoot on the sand. But, during the hottest part or during midday in the afternoon the sand becomes very hot and it might burn your kid’s feet. So, you should always carry beach shoes or flip-flops to keep everyone’s feet cool and protected.
Never dive into the ocean
Most places where you swim into the ocean will be shallow places. But, avoid diving straight into the ocean from a height then there are chances that you might hurt yourself.
Rip Currents
A lot of beach vacationers do not know about RIP currents and what to do if they are caught in one. So, let us first understand what are RIP currents. Rip currents are fast-moving narrow channels that are most powerful at the surface where the waves break onshore. They sweep out to sea, cut through breaking waves, and make it very difficult to swim. Beware of this and if this happens, just swim parallel to the shore till you come out of the current.
Learn the signs of drowning
There are chances that you can discern the signs of drowning as splashing and playing in the water. Drowners do not always shout and yell for help. You need to look up and learn about the signs of drowning.
So, these are some of the beach safety tips that you should follow. If you know of something else, do let us know in the comments section below.