Safety Tips for Children at the Beach

Children enjoy the beach making sand castles and having fun in the sun and surf. Yet, children are at risk when it comes to drowning, getting a sunburn, getting hurt, or even getting kidnapped.

Here are some tips for helping keep your child safe while at the beach.

First...and this one should be the most obvious. Never ever let the child out of your sight for any reason. Do not expect a lifeguard or other adult will be responsible for your child if he/she is in the water or anywhere on the beach. If the child is in the water, then you or another responsible adult should be also. If you have one child who is older (around 13 or 14) and a younger child (under 10) wants to go in the water with them, that is still a no-no. Even when a child is 13 or14 years of age, you still should keep an eye on them. Thus, they are not old enough to be responsible for a younger child.

Second...this one should just be common sense. Put a sunscreen on you child. It should be specifically made for children and have a strong SPF. One of the best I have found is from Avon and is the Skin so Soft Bug Guard Plus SPF 30 Cool n Fabulous Disappearing Color Lotion. I have found that even I cannot use any store bought products on my 5 year old, I can use the Avon. Since this item also has a bug guard as well as the sunscreen, it can be used places besides the beach. Make sure to apply it according to directions or after every time they go in the water. Purchase this item from http:/shop.avon.com or your local Avon dealer. Right now it is 50% off at a cost of $6.99 for four ounces (regularly $14.00).

Third...choose your location with care. Make sure there is a lifeguard where you are and that he/she is on duty. It does not matter if you are an Olympic swimmer, the life guard is trained to know the water of that ocean such as any hazards and water conditions.

Fourth...this has already been said once but is worth repeating. Do not expect the lifeguard to be a "babysitter". That is not his/her job, it is yours. A lifeguard's job is to keep everyone on the beach safe, not just your children. If you must leave for any reason, take your children with you. It does no matter what age they are. If they are not an adult 18 or over (at least in Tennessee), then they are still a child. I know it sounds funny to have to take a 17 year old with you if you have to leave, but 17 year olds can drown or get in trouble also.

Fifth...if you have an older child who can swim and wishes to dive make sure to take extreme precautions. Do not let them dive from anywhere that is unknown. You need to know if there are any rocks, how deep the water is, and if the water is of uniform depth in that part of the ocean. You can find this out from the lifeguard or someone who really knows the water.

Sixth...always obey the warnings that are posted and make sure you make your child obey them also. If a sign says "No Swimming", then do not swim there.

Seventh...learn to swim yourself. You really need to know how to swim when going to the beach with a child. Also, learn CPR yourself. If you happen to be where there is no lifeguard close to you, you need to be able to respond to an emergency yourself. Know the techniques for rescuing a drowning victim also. There are a lot of people who die when they are trying to rescue a drowning person even a child.

Eighth...if you and your child are in the water never ever turn your back on the ocean. One little wave can knock you and the child down and this could spell disaster. In other words, always face the ocean when you are in it, and know what is coming your way.

Ninth...rip current rescues are the most abundant of all rescues. Make sure you do your homework of the different waves and currents of the ocean to which you are going. Ask your travel agent or research online for information on the ocean you are going to be visiting. The best protection one can get is knowledge.

Tenth...make sure to try to find a place that seems clean. Do not let children play where there seems to be a lot of trash, bottles, or broken glass. If there is a lot of seaweed on a certain part of the beach, try to avoid it. There could be a lot of unknown things under it.

I hope you have fun at the beach, and I hope these tips will help keep your child(children) and you safe.

Source:

www.enzinearticles.com April 27, 2009

www.life123.com April 27, 2009

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