As a parent, beach time can seem more daunting than relaxing. You need to gather all the supplies, the buckets, the shovels, extra clothes, snacks, and of course, sunscreen. When you are taking your children to the ocean, you are on full-time duty to ensure that they stay safe. Here are some safety tips to remember while getting ready to head toward to the shore!
Ocean Waves:
If you are headed to the ocean or any open water area, be sure to research anything that may be unfamiliar, such as riptides or pollution in the water. Before having children in the water, establish some guidelines. For example, children 8 and under should only go in the water with an adult by their side, or children above 8 can only go up to their belly buttons. Floatation devices do not take the place of monitoring your children. In fact, floatation devices at the beach can be very dangerous. Be sure to consistently monitor your children when they are in or near the water.
Starting at the age of six months and well into adulthood, it is vital that your child (and you) wear sunscreen. Sunburn and sun damage at an early age can create problems later in life, which is why it is so important to lather up with SPF. Remember that if you are going swimming, waterproof sunscreen is the best choice. Don’t forget to reapply, every sunblock needs to be reapplied every two hours. In addition to SPF, a beach umbrella or tent are great for providing shade for your children when they have had enough sun. Lightweight shirts, hats, and pants are also great for protecting sensitive skin from the blazing sunshine.
Hydration & Nutrition:
At the beach, hydration is essential. Encourage children to stay hydrated, ideally with water and/or diluted sports drinks with electrolytes. Vegetables and fruits are great snacks for the beach, and they also aid in hydration. Make sure you bring enough snacks and drinks to keep the little ones satisfied throughout the day.
Going to the beach with the family is a memorable way to spend these hot summer days. Make sure you do everything you can to keep your family safe all day long, and most importantly enjoy your day together!