Keeping Kids Safe at the Beach

June 25, 2010, By Catherine Couretas 0 comments

School’s out for summer! And you can’t wait for that beach getaway with the family.

Whether you’re heading to Florida, Mexico or some exotic island in the Caribbean, there are some things you should know so your kids stay safe as the tide gets higher.

When you’re packing, don’t forget sunscreen. You don’t want to have to buy it at the hotel or an overpriced gift shop down the road, so make a quick trip to the grocery store. You already know why sunscreen is necessary for men and that your kids’ skin is very delicate. Here are some sunscreen tips for kids:

• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before they’re out in the sun.
• Reapply at least every two hours as a general rule, more often if they’re engaging in physical activity or swimming.
• Water-resistant is usually better for kids. Even though you’ll want to reapply sunscreen frequently, this helps if they are in and out of the water.
• It doesn’t have to be specifically for kids, unless you’re looking for a tear-free sunscreen. Try Coppertone or Banana Boat brands.
• Do NOT apply sunscreen to infants under 6 months old. Keep them out of the sun if you’re going to be out on the beach.
• Choose something with an SPF of 15 or higher. The highest is SPF 50+, and after that sunscreens tend to be the same. The higher the SPF, the more protection.

Know what you’ll want to have at the beach for safety, including a first-aid kit and water shoes. Rocks in the sand and water can have sharp edges and pieces of glass bottles float around as well. Try REI Z-Strap Water Shoes for just under $20, available in blue and pink. For a first-aid kit, check out what Band-Aid recommends you have on hand just in case. You’ll also want to have plenty of water on hand to avoid dehydration and some snacks, such as granola bars or fruit, to keep everyone energized.

If they don’t know how to swim or have just learned how, floating devices are a must. Whether you choose bathing suits with built-in inner tubes or separate floating devices, such as products offered by Speedo, it’s important that your child feels safe in the water. The smaller they are, the bigger that pool or ocean can look.

Take breaks. Often. Being out in the sun for extended periods of time isn’t healthy. Take a lunch break at a restaurant down the beach or bring a packed lunch and go eat in a shady area. When your kids aren’t frolicking around in the water, make sure they’re wearing a hat to keep the sensitive skin on their face out of the sun completely.

The beach is a place to have fun and you shouldn’t have to overly-stress about being in the sun. Let your kids have a good time but check frequently to make sure they’re wearing sunscreen and playing safely. 

Catherine Couretas is a freelancer at Barefoot Proximity and a regular contributor to ManoftheHouse.com.