As the weather gets warmer, there may be days when you decide to head off to a local beach with your family.
Alternatively, you may decide to choose a seaside location when you’re choosing somewhere to go for your summer break.
Whatever the case, it’s important to keep safety in mind. By following the suggestions below, you will have fewer worries when you’re trying to relax and unwind by the sea.
#1: Set up your spot near the lifeguard station
It’s your job to keep an eye on your children when they are playing on the beach or in the water. However, it’s still a good idea to set up your spot near the lifeguard’s chair (if there is one), as an extra pair of eyes can be useful if you get distracted.
#2: Change in private
If your family isn’t wearing their beach clothes already, you will need to find a place to get changed. The best place to do this is in your car or behind a windbreaker to avoid the eyes of strangers. Alternatively, use a Dryrobe as this is an excellent way to preserve your privacy when you’re getting changed on the fly.
#3: Apply sunscreen every 2 hours
It’s wise to take shelter on a particularly hot day so bring a giant umbrella with you if possible. But as you and your children will likely want to enjoy games on the beach or time paddling in the sea, you will need to make sure everybody is wearing the appropriate factor sunscreen. This should be applied every 2 hours (or more regularly if you or your children have sensitive skin) to ensure better protection.
#4: Swim between the flags
Some beaches have dangerous currents which is why flags are arranged in safe areas. Make sure your children stick to these flags if they are playing in the water and do the same yourself, no matter how strong a swimmer you think you are.
#5: Set up a marker
Your children are safest when they are being supervised but if they are old enough to wander off on their own, make sure they know where you are on the beach. This is especially important if the beach is crowded with other people.
A good idea is to choose a beach umbrella that is of a different design or colour from the others on the beach as this will help your kids identify your location. But as it’s impossible to predict what umbrellas other people will bring, you should also stick a flag in the umbrella or another kind of marker so your children can easily find you if they get a little lost.
#6: Check the tide tables
The tide can come in surprisingly quickly so don’t be caught off guard. Check the tide table before you head to the beach and choose a time and location that you think will be the safest.
You should also make sure you have your phone with you. This way, you will be able to call 999 and ask for the coastguard if you are cut off by the tide.
Do you have any other beach safety tips our readers will find useful? If so, leave us a comment below with your suggestions.