If you’re looking for fun activities to do with your children when preschool is out or kindergarten is over for the year, the beach is a great choice. Building sand castles, playing in the surf, and digging in the sand with a trowel and pail are all essential parts of any childhood. It’s important, however, to take a few simple precautions whenever you and your family are planning to spend a day at the beach. Here are some tips for staying safe:
Supervision means safety. You probably don’t need us to tell you not to let your kids out of your sight in a public place, but it’s particularly important when you’re near a large body of water. Never allow your children near the water alone, and teach them never to turn their backs on the ocean. Finally, consider investing in swimming lessons-the sooner your child learns to swim, the safer trips to the beach will be.
Be liberal with the sunscreen. While everybody loves a sunny day, nobody loves the feeling of a sunburn. Children have thinner and more sensitive skin than adults, which means that they need even more protection from the sun. To ensure maximum protection, make sure that you apply sunscreen to your child at least 15 minutes before they are exposed to the sun.
Beware of dehydration. It’s important to stay well-hydrated on the beach, particularly if you’re young and more vulnerable to quick dehydration. Keep plenty of ice-cold water and fruit juice on hand for your child, and be sure to pack some energy-replenishing snacks such as apples, carrot sticks, and granola bars for your trip.
By following these rules of thumb, you can make sure that every trip to the beach goes off without a hitch. After all, effective child care means taking the time to make sure children are staying safe and healthy as well as having fun.
