The beach is one of the best places for a family to bond and make fun memories. But as wonderful as beaches are, there are greater risks involved when spending time there too, especially when you have small kids.
The good news is that there are ways for you to enjoy the beach while providing more safety for the entire family. For example, instead of going to public beaches, you can take the family to a private beach resort in Batangas, or anywhere that’s convenient for you to go to.
Safety should always be kept the top priority on family trips, which is why we’ve made this guide on the best safety tips for families that are planning to take their kids to the beach:
1. Know basic first aid and CPR.
Drowning is considered the second major cause of death in children. This is because a person who’s drowning is less visible, and kids are naturally smaller and weaker, especially against strong currents. Also, the sand and water can hide so many things that can lead to a potential injury. With that in mind, it’s good to bring first aid items with you and know how to do CPR.
2. Have a talk with your kids before hitting the sand.
No matter how many times you’ve been to the beach, it’s good practice to review the safety rules with your kids every time, even if they’re common sense to you. Also, kids tend to forget. An example of a point to discuss with your kids is regarding currents and riptides. Tell them not to swim against it because it will only tire them out faster.
3. Check water conditions ahead of time.
Adults should make a point of testing the waters and checking for any harmful objects or creatures, such as jellyfish, puffer fish, and sea urchins. Also, if you’re going to a beach resort, ask the local lifeguard (if any) or someone who works there how the water conditions are. They should be able to tell you if the wave currents are too strong or if there are jellyfish nearby.
4. Have the younger kids wear life jackets.
Open waters are naturally more unpredictable, so it’s best to have kids wear safety vests or life jackets, especially the ones who don’t know how to swim. Also, don’t forget to test the life jackets first in shallow water to ensure they’re working properly.
5. Make sure there’s sunscreen or shade for everyone.
Babies and toddlers need sunscreen, especially because their skins are more sensitive. When buying a sunscreen lotion, go for something with at least SPF 30. If you’d rather skip the sunscreen, then just make sure the kids can enjoy the sun and sand under some shade.
6. Have a ‘buddy system’.
This rule is extremely important, especially when going to a crowded beach. Kids like exploring and running off in search of things to do to satisfy their adventurous minds. A ‘buddy’ can be someone much older and more responsible who can keep an eye on the kids. Ideally, there should be one ‘buddy’ per kid. If that’s not possible, then an adult should be extra vigilant when watching multiple kids.
The Beach Can be a Safe Place for the Little Ones
Everyone deserves a fun time on the beach, including the kids. Safety, however, should still be the main priority. By following the tips in this post, you can provide the whole family an extraordinary beach experience while having lesser risks to worry about. After all, the beach should be a place for washing our worries away.
