Collaborative Post
A trip to the beach or even an entire beach holiday is a fun thing to do with your children. However, spending time at the beach, especially on a hot day, can also mean navigating some dangers. You need to be aware of the sun and how the heat can cause problems, plus you need to think about safety in the water. If you’re thinking about spending time on the beach during the summer or the next time you go on holiday, you should make sure that you plan to be safe. Here are some of the things that you should do for a safe trip to the beach with your kids.
Choose the Right Beach
Not all beaches are the best places to go as a family or with children. Some are suitable for swimming and other activities, while others aren’t really good for family-friendly activities. You need a beach where swimming is allowed, and you might want one that allows dogs if you’re thinking about taking your four-legged friend. You should know your beach flags – red means no swimming, while a stretch of water between red and yellow flags is safe for swimming. Black and white flags are for surfers and windsurfers. It’s also a good idea to choose a beach that has lifeguards.
Put Sun Protection First
One of the safety concerns on the beach is sun protection. The sun can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer, plus it can hurt your eyes too. On top of that, a hot day can cause problems such as dehydration and sunstroke. However, remember that it doesn’t have to be hot for the sun to have an effect on you. Be sure to choose long swimsuits, and perhaps even wetsuits like the ones recommended by Flyerdiaries. Covering your kids up when they’re in or out of the water will protect them from the sun. Make sure they’re wearing hats to protect their heads and faces. Sunscreen is important too, and should be chosen in a high SPF and reapplied regularly.
Know How to Stay Safe in the Water
It’s unlikely you can be on the beach without your kids wanting to at least paddle in the sea. You should know how to keep them safe in the water at all times. Firstly, supervision is a must, so be sure to watch them closely, and ideally accompany them in the water. Secondly, avoid using inflatables, as they can quickly be swept out to sea. Recognising the signs of a rip current so you can keep your family away from them is also important. Plus, watch out for jellyfish or other creatures that could sting or cause other injuries.
Focus on Footwear
The right footwear on the beach is also important. The sand can get very hot if the sun is shining hard, which could result in scorched feet. But even if the ground isn’t hot, there can be all kinds of things that your children might stop on, both in and out of the water. Flip-flops or sandals are fine, but you can also consider water shoes if you want something more substantial. They will cover your child’s feet, and they’re suitable for wearing in and out of the water.
Stay Hydrated
On a hot day, hydration can also become an issue. Even when cooling off in the sea, you can sweat a lot to cool down. It’s important to replace those fluids throughout the day. Make sure you take plenty of water to the beach with you and remind your children to keep drinking. If you rely on them to say they’re thirsty, they might get too distracted by playing. You can fill up water bottles so that you don’t need to leave to buy drinks when everyone starts to get thirsty.
Seek the Shade
Although you might like being in the sun, it’s also important to have a shaded spot while you’re at the beach. It will provide you with somewhere to get a break from the sun, especially when it’s hottest in the middle of the day. Try to encourage your children to spend some time in the shade, even if they are reluctant to. It’s also important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, such as headaches, dizziness, and a lack of sweating. You should know when to call an ambulance if someone is unwell.
Next time you head to the beach, keep your family safe by being prepared to protect them from the sea and sun.
