A day at the beach can be one of the most memorable parts of summer!☀️ From splashing in the waves, to building sandcastles, spending time in the summer sun is fun for the whole family! However, beach days come with important safety considerations. Whether you’re visiting the ocean, a lake, or a riverfront, staying safe near water should always be a top priority! Here are five essential beach safety tips for kids and parents to keep your beach visits both fun and safe this summer! ⬇️
1. Always Swim in Areas with Lifeguards 🛟
If lifeguards are on duty, make sure to swim in their designated zones ⚠️. These areas are monitored for safety and usually marked with flags or signs. Lifeguards are trained to respond quickly to emergencies and to monitor changing conditions in the water 🌊. Even confident swimmers benefit from having a professional keeping watch! Before heading into the water, take a moment to locate the nearest lifeguard stand and go over any posted rules with your children.
2. Never Swim Alone 👯♀️
The buddy system isn’t just for summer camp—it’s a crucial rule for water safety! 👯♂️ No matter how advanced a swimmer your child may be, accidents can happen quickly. Swimming with a friend or family member ensures that someone is always nearby to help or call for assistance if needed. This rule applies to adults, too! It’s always safer to enjoy the water as a team. 🧍🏼♀️🧍🏼♀️
3. Check Weather and Water 🌊
Before heading to the beach, check the weather forecast and look out for any warnings‼️ Dangerous conditions like rip currents, high winds, or approaching storms can turn a fun day into a risky one 😳. Once at the beach, pay attention to any posted signs or flags. Red flags 🔺 typically high hazard conditions, while yellow flags ⚠️ indicate moderate surf and currents. It’s important to talk to your children about what these warnings mean and make sure they understand that rules can change based on the day’s conditions!
Wear A Life Jacket 🦺
Life jackets aren’t just for boats! 🛥️ Any time you’re near open water—whether swimming, wading, or playing on the shoreline—it’s smart to use life jackets for young children or inexperienced swimmers. Even ankle-deep water can be dangerous for a small child if they lose their balance. Coast Guard-approved life jackets offer the best protection and can provide peace of mind for parents. ☺️
5. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen! 🧴
Spending hours in the sun can lead to serious sunburns, especially for young skin 😳. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 BEFORE heading outside, and reapply every two hours—or more frequently if your child is swimming or sweating! Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like ears, tops of feet, and behind the knees. Hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing can also help reduce sun exposure. ☀️
With a little planning and some basic safety rules, your beach day can be both exciting and safe! 😁 By staying aware of your surroundings, setting expectations with your children, and using the right gear, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time by the water. We can’t wait to hear about all of the amazing memories our Little Fish Families make at the beach this summer! Stay safe, and we’ll see you at the pool soon! 🏊🏼♀️🧡