Ocean & Beach Safety With Kids
Kids love the ocean, and a day at the beach is a great way to enjoy some family fun. But the beach also has many dangers that can put your children in harm's way. When you consider the risks of the ocean, sun, sand and rock barriers, it's easy to see why it's important that parents take ocean and beach safety precautions.
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Safety in the Water
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Look for any warning flags posted at the beach and listen for lifeguard reports. They inform swimmers of ocean conditions. You never know what the ocean may stir up, so you should always keep your eyes on your kids when they are in the water and have them swim with adults or friends. Rip currents are extremely dangerous and can quickly pull your child away from shore no matter how well he or she swims. Rip currents are strong and choppy and move quickly out to sea. Teach children how to break free from a rip current by swimming parallel to the beach until they are out of the rip and then swim to shore.
Equally dangerous are undertows that can pull a child under and sneaker waves that appear without warning. Because sneaker waves are forceful waves that ride high on the shore, children can easily be knocked down by them or even taken out to sea.
If the beach has tidal pools, know when the tide is changing so you and your child are not stranded away from the beach.
For added safety in the water, water shoes are beneficial for keeping feet safe from sharp rocks, shells, or crab bites.
Safety on the Sand
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Kids enjoy playing in the sand and building castles, but the beach has hidden dangers. Children can get cut on sharp pieces of debris buried in the sand, so to avoid injuries they should dig with shovels and not with their hands.
Parents should also tell their kids to avoid or be careful on logs or barrier rocks lining the ocean. Both get extremely slippery when wet. Barrier rocks are especially dangerous if a child slips and falls into the ocean.
Sun protection is extremely important at the beach. Parents should make sure children wear plenty of sunscreen and reapply it frequently, wear sunglasses and hats and drink water often. These precautions can prevent sunburn, heat-related illnesses and dehydration. Remember to put footwear on children while they play on the beach because the sand gets very hot from the sun.
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Other Ocean and Beach Safety Tips
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One way parents with kids in tow can ensure the ocean and beach are safe is to scan the area when they arrive and identify possible concerns. Look for a spot near the lifeguard chair so immediate help is near.
Young kids have a way of wandering off to explore or play at another blanket with interesting toys. For safety's sake, keep a close eye on children because they can easily get lost or wander alone into the ocean. Children also should stay away from dunes and sections of the beach that allow vehicles.
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