Tips for Protecting Your Kids at the Beach

Going to the beach with your kids is a great way to create memories and have fun in the sun. However, it is important to prioritize their safety while having a good time. 

You should talk to your kids ahead of time about what it means to be safe at the beach, whether you are planning a day at the beach or going on a family beach trip. You are more likely to get their full attention this way.

Here are some tips for protecting your kids at the beach:

Pick a Suitable Beach

Sunset at the beach

Beaches are not all the same. This is true not only for beaches in different countries but also for beaches in the same town. Some beaches have rocky or coral ocean bottoms, while others have sandy ones. Some beaches have strong ocean currents or steep drop-offs where the ocean deepens quickly. Some may be quieter or have more gradual drop-offs, so the water stays pretty shallow for quite a distance.  You can do some online research about the beach Galveston and find out what are the things you can enjoy there.

Choose a location with a broad sandy beach area and a sandy ocean bottom for small children or children who are not great swimmers. Avoid beaches with severe drop-offs and go for one where the ocean remains reasonably shallow near the shore. If this is not an option for you, consider finding other activities for your children to do on the beach, such as building sandcastles or playing with toys, rather than letting them swim in the water.

If you are unfamiliar with the beaches in the region you are visiting, you may always seek guidance from the local surf or diving businesses. Alternatively, ask the lifeguards at the beach which beaches or areas they recommend for your family’s needs.

Determine the Water Conditions Beforehand

Flag code signage

Ocean conditions can vary from day to day. A tranquil beach one day might be radically different the next, with big waves and powerful currents. The trick is understanding your family’s swimming ability and choosing a site that meets those requirements. Check the local weather for the day to see if any warnings or high surf conditions are in effect. 

Almost all swimming beaches feature beach flags and lifeguards that signal the weather. If they imply a rough sea and you see strong currents, avoid going to the beach that day. Keep kids away from the ocean if the current carries jellyfish ashore. Inform your children about the availability of a beach safety rope before they enter the ocean.

Purchase Life Jackets

Girl in yellow lifejacket

It is recommended to get life jackets if you intend to take toddlers to the beach. Remember that it only takes seconds for your child to become distracted and fall into the water. A life jacket also gives you added safety and peace of mind knowing your child would not quickly drown in the water. However, before using a life jacket on a beach, we recommend you try it on your child and test it in a pool.

Locate and Swim Near the Lifeguards

Woman in red shorts

Ensure there is a lifeguard around. A lifeguard must be nearby where your children are swimming. Swim near a lifeguard on duty. If there are no lifeguards on duty, and you are unsure of the water conditions or if you or your children are not good swimmers, consider staying on the beach.

Remember that even good swimmers may drown in water. It is easy to underestimate the ocean’s power and its current.   Also be sure to consider options like taking a diving course in Melbourne.

Keep an Eye on Them

Girl sitting on shore

It may be enticing to take a nap while relaxing on the shore. However, if you have brought children along, you must remain vigilant and keep a close watch on them at all times, even if you believe they are mature enough (tweens/teens). Always keep young children within reach. If your family has gone to the shore, take shifts watching the children. You cannot rely solely on lifeguards to keep watch on your children.

Teach Kids to Ask Permission

Girl with white flower on hair

When you aren’t paying attention, young children tend to wander toward the nearby body of water. And the amount of time it takes to put on sunscreen or respond to a text message is about the same amount of time a catastrophe may occur.

Therefore, it is imperative that you instill in your children the value of seeking permission from either you or your partner before entering the water. Your strategy for ensuring everyone’s safety on the beach should include adhering to this regulation.

Always Use the Buddy System

White surboard

It would be best if you never let your kids swim alone. Kids should be encouraged to swim with a buddy. For little kids, you are their buddy. You can take turns swimming with your child or children with your partner or a group of friends. This makes it a lot safer to swim at the beach. 

Never Turn your Back on the Ocean

Big waves

Have you ever seen those videos where someone is standing on the beach with their back to the ocean, maybe waving to the camera or talking to someone, and then a huge wave comes out of nowhere and knocks them down?

This is truly a very prevalent cause of beach-related injuries. Occasionally, these injuries are severe or even fatal. Therefore, educate your children never to swim alone and never turn their backs on the ocean.

Dress them Appropriately

Black and blue rashguard

Dress your kids in swimwear that covers their skin to reduce the risk of sunburn and protect their feet with sandals or water shoes to avoid cuts or injuries from sharp objects in the sand and water.

Sunscreen and Hydration

Girl applying sunblock on forehead

Here are some protection tips for you and your family:

  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a rash guard, and seek shelter under a beach umbrella or tent. Sunlight levels are highest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • When swimming in the ocean, always wear a rash guard. It provides even more protection than sunscreen. Sunscreen is supposed to be water-resistant. However, when you go swimming, it all comes off.
  • Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, yet 50 is ideal.
  • Consider using reef-safe sunscreen, which excludes compounds harmful to coral reefs. And if these compounds can destroy the reef, do you really want them on your skin? Even better, wear a rash guard, so you only need to apply sunscreen to the small amount of exposed skin.
  • Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes prior to sun or water exposure. In order for sunscreen to be effective, your epidermis must have time to assimilate it. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours or after jumping in the water.
  • If you’re heading to a tropical beach, choose zinc sunscreen, which is a stronger type of sunscreen. It is often thicker so that it does not wash away as quickly in the water.
  • Ensure you and your family drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration in the hot sun. Bring a cooler full of water and drink water all day. 
  • Have a first aid kit: Be prepared for any emergencies by bringing a first aid kit that includes supplies for cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries.

Have a First Aid Kit

Red and blue kits

Be prepared for any emergencies by bringing a first aid kit that includes supplies for cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries.

The beach can be a great place for the whole family to rest and take it easy. Just make sure to take these safety measures to stay safe.

Conclusion

Let us all do our part to keep our children safe at the beach and in the water by adhering to the guidelines: picking a suitable beach; determining the water conditions; providing life jackets; ensuring there are lifeguards on duty and swimming near them; keeping a close watch on your kids at all times; and teaching kids always to ask permission and never go into the water alone; to never turn back on the ocean; to always be alert; by wearing sunscreen and protective apparel; staying hydrated; and last but not least, to bring a first aid kit.

Following these tips will help ensure that your kids have fun and stay safe at the beach. It is crucial to prioritize their safety and well-being while having a good time in the sun and sand. By being prepared and vigilant, you can create lasting memories while keeping your children protected.