October 8, 2021
This summer, millions of families will flock to the beaches for some fun in the sun. There are many things that adults can do to ensure their children have a safe and enjoyable time on the beach; however, there are certain dangers that only a parent or guardian would notice. You would need safety jackets,baby-friendly sunscreens, floats, etc.; you can also check out websites like Sock Ons; here is a rundown of three easy ways your family can stay safe on the beach.
There are three ways to keep the beach safe in summer – covering the child with sunscreen, having a first-aid kit on hand, and, more importantly, keeping an eye on them.
Apply Sunscreen
Be sure to bring strong umbrellas that will keep the sun off of your children but still allow them to see out, so they avoid running into people or objects. If you are a family visiting a public beach, be aware of where other people with umbrellas are and keep an eye on your kids to make sure they don’t pop into other peoples’ space.
Sunscreen is essential. The child should be well protected from sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer later in life. It is advisable to avoid face and lip creams as they are not tested to protect the body’s sensitive areas. Ideally, choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. This should be applied a few hours before going out in the sun to give time for absorption.
Sunscreen is not a cure-all, however. It only protects from ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (B) rays, which are lesser-known than UV C rays that can directly burn both skin and eyes. Those rays are not blocked by glass or water, so the child should wear a wide-brimmed hat (preferably with a band that will protect their eyes as well) and sunglasses that filter both UV A and B rays.
The wind can also be damaging to unprotected skin. It is advisable to apply sunscreen on any exposed bits of skin – arms, legs, and even the neck.
Keep dangerous items away.
For young children, the beach is full of sand that can be easily inhaled into their lungs. Nothing gives a greater sense of security than being able to see your child at all times. Some parents find it helpful to set up an organized play area so that their children can be kept in sight at all times.
To keep them safe from the water, you can have a fence or a surfboard to support them while they walk in shallow waters. They should also wear floatation devices until they can swim unaided. It’s always better for parents to join them than having to shout instructions from the shore.
Be sure that whatever floats you buy have handles on them, so even if your child falls off, they will be able to get back on and stay safe.
Get medical care immediately in case of injury or sting
Any cuts or scrapes should always be cleaned and disinfected straight after they happen, while burns and sunburns should be treated with cold compresses until they subside. Parents need to keep an eye out for any rashes that develop.
On the beach, a stinger or jellyfish can sting without you noticing because of the water temperature. Jellyfish-related injuries should be washed off ONLY with ocean water to remove the tenticals . Getting medical help as soon as possible is crucial for treating jellyfish stings; otherwise, many serious issues can develop, such as muscle cramps, breathing difficulties, and cardiac arrest.
Overall, common sense is essential when keeping your children safe on the beach. They should be protected from the sun with sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses. If they feel unwell, you should get medical help immediately to diagnose and treat any potential problems.