Child safety tips for the beach

Many dangers exist on the beach for children and to be able to have a fun day one would really have to be aware of these dangers and take precautions to insure the safety for children. Most of the tips also apply to adults as well as Children.

Dangers in or near the ocean:

Jellyfish; don’t go in the water if you see signs posted; and get immediate help from the lifeguards or purchase your own beach emergency kit.

Sharks; don’t go in the water if you see signs posted.

Kidnapping; strangers are everywhere; be aware; dress your child in bright clothing.

Sand rash, polluted water, too salty water; always where a shirt when boogie boarding.

Current & undertow; watch the ocean well before you go in; where the water foams, gathers in torrents will be dangerous currents. There are silent underwater currents as well. Keep children within your reach at all times.

Floating out to sea on a flotation device; happens quite often in a tube or mattress. Keep the child very close, and hang onto to the flotation device.

Chilly Waters can cause hypothermia.

Breaking waves on the shore. These can knock your child over and turn him face down into the water or sand.

Floating debris can knock your child over face down into the water.

Wear tubbies to protect your feet from sharp reef rocks, coral, and poisonous sea urchins.

Safety tips for Children at the Beach:

Observe beach warning signs; undertow, jellyfish, sharks, etc.

Keep your child near you at all time. Follow her a put a foots’ length away at all times.

Dress your child in bright clothing so that you can track them on the beach.

Have your child wear water wings if they are still shaky on their swimming feet. Toddlers & babies should always wear water wings.

Use Sunblock labeled for children; some have sensitive skin.

Shower your child with shampoo and soap after swimming.

Dress your child in a wetsuit to keep warm if the water is chilly.

Know when the tides are up/down (sets are stronger when the tide is coming in)

Be aware of where the lifeguards are posted; they carry emergency kits and are trained to handle many ocean and beach related emergencies; as well as general emergencies.

The cardinal rule of the ocean is: Never Turn Your Back On The Ocean

It’s important to keep an eye on the sets of waves coming in and to prepare if a big one should come at you.

Know when the tide comes in. If your child is sitting near the shore, a large wave could come on the tide and wash him/her into the ocean.

Know where the lifeguards are located in case of an emergency.

Watch those kids. Young children can easily get disoriented at the beach.

Watch those currents. Don't swim near piers or docks, and if you get caught in a strong rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and then swim toward the beach.

Cheap rafts don't belong in the ocean. Cheap inflatable rafts can be torn easily. Use only canvas-covered rafts with a rope attached to the edges.

Following these safety tips at the beach can insure fun in the sun for the whole family!