The weather is finally warming up and if you haven’t done so already you might be considering heading for the coast soon for a fun day at the beach with your little ones.
It’s a brilliant day out for kids, they get loads of fresh air and exercise and they’re not likely to get bored! That said, there are plenty of hazards around so here are our top tips for keeping them safe at the beach…
1 – Teach your kids to swim
It sounds like an obvious one but swimming really is a skill that could save your life. If you’re able to teach your kids to swim it’ll make much more confident around the water and able to know what to do should they end up in water accidentally. Also teaching them about the dangers of the ocean and how it is very different to being in a swimming pool will help too.
2 – Float to live
If they are swimming in the sea and they get into trouble teach them to float on their back. This preserves their energy and they can float to calmer waters where they can then swim and shout or wave for help.
3 – Get them a life jacket
If your child isn’t a confident swimmer or if they’re a younger child, getting them a floatation device can help to keep them safe in the water.
4 – Go to life guarded beaches
Life guards are highly trained professionals and are there to spot dangerous rips and keep you safe on the beach. Always swim between the flags on a lifeguarded beach.
5 – ALWAYS supervise your child around the water
Keep eyes on your child at all times. Don’t rely on someone else to watch them (even the lifeguards).
6 – Remember that drowning is silent
Drowning doesn’t look like it does in the movies. There won’t be any thrashing around and waving or shouting. If a child is drowning their lungs will fill up with water and they will slip quietly under the surface of the water. Always supervise your child and don’t let them go out of their depth.
7 – Teach your child what to do if they get lost
Find a landmark – something like the lifeguards tower or a café – and tell them to go there if they get lost and can’t find you. If they are lost and need help encourage them to speak to another mum with children who will be able to help them get to your designated spot.
8 – Apply sun cream regularly
Make sure you apply sun cream 30 minutes before your child is exposed to the sun and at regular intervals throughout the day. If they go in the water it’ll need to be reapplied each time they come out.
9 – Keep them hydrated
Take lots of water with you to make sure little ones stay hydrated in hot weather.
And most importantly… have fun!