Beach Safety: How to Keep Your Children Safe this Summer!

It’s summer time! For a lot of parents, that means taking your kids to the pool or beach and letting them have fun in the sun! But be careful!

When you let your children swim in a body of water, safety is always a top priority. Here are some safety tips for when your little ones go swimming.

1. Pick a Beach With Lifeguards

There are plenty of beaches that you can choose from, but not all of them have lifeguards. More children under the age of five drown in Florida every year than in any other state. That’s scary stuff! Do some research and find a beach that always has a lifeguard on duty. You will feel more reassured about your child’s safety when you know a lifeguard is nearby.

2. Don’t be Casual Around the Water

The last thing we want is a small child running off and jumping headfirst into the water, so make it clear that you are the one who decides when your child can go swimming. Create a routine before going swimming (putting on a swimsuit, applying sunscreen, holding your hand, etc.) so your child will understand they can’t just go in the water whenever they want to.

3. Use the Best Sunscreen  

You already know that sunburns are no fun, but which brand of sunscreen is best for your child? When looking for a brand, pick out the ones that have an SPF of 30 and protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Here’s a list for the best sunscreen for your kids. Make sure to cover all of your child’s exposed skin with with sunscreen before letting them play out in the sun. For extra protection, have a pair of sunglasses or a hat nearby.

4. Never Let Your Child Swim Alone

Most children are just learning how to swim, and even if they’re already great swimmers, you should never allow them to go in the water alone. Anything could happen, like your child getting cramps or hitting their head, and you’ll need to be near them to help. Make sure they only swim in the shallow end of the pool or beach. For swimming lessons, contact Hollywood Learning Center, we have swimming classes in our summer camp program.

5. Don’t Touch the Animals

When you’re at the beach, you’ll likely come across all sorts of marine wildlife in the water or on the sand. While this can be exciting, make it clear to your children that they’re not allowed to touch certain animals. Some marine animals, like jellyfish, sting rays, and lionfish, can be very dangerous. Others, like crabs can give your child a painful pinch if provoked.

6. Recognize Rip Currents

Have you ever noticed water in one part of the beach that looks muddy and choppy? That’s probably a rip current, which is strong enough to pull grown adults into the ocean. Recognize the signs of rip currents and keep your children away if you see one.

7. Drink Plenty of Water

When you’re busy having fun and making sure your kids are safe, it’s easy to forget about keeping yourself and your children hydrated. As it turns out, 75% of Americans don’t drink enough water. If you’re out in the blazing sun all day, make sure you have enough water to drink regularly.

Follow these tips and the only thing you’ll have to worry about is getting sand in your toes!

Interested in summer camp? Contact Hollywood Learning Centers at (954) 922-8558