Kids love going to the beach, but there are potential dangers for children playing in the surf, sand and sun. While the beach is generally a safe place for children, any beach, whether at the ocean or a lake, can be hazardous for little ones. Take safety precautions to protect children from beach accidents and harmful situations.
Significance
Children are more vulnerable to beach mishaps than teens and adults due to their size and inexperience, according to Chris Brewster, president of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA). A wave can easily knock down a small child and youngsters are less likely to be experienced swimmers than older kids and adults. Children 4 years and younger have the highest death rate from drowning, according to the National Safety Council. Playing in the ocean is different from playing in a pool. It's more dangerous for children due to ocean waves and currents, says Brewster.
Water Safety
The National Safety Council recommends enrolling children older than age 3 in swim lessons taught by qualified instructors before heading to the beach. Be sure your kids play in water near the lifeguard tower and in areas marked for swimmers to use. If no lifeguard is present, look for a sign listing the safest places to swim at the beach, Brewster says. Supervise your children closely even if a lifeguard is present. According to the Red Cross, children who can't swim should never use a flotation device unless it's a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Don't allow your child to go into the water alone. Small children should always be within arm's length of an adult and older kids should be with a swim buddy.
Sand Safety
Children enjoy digging in the sand and building sand castles, but the sand can hold dangers. Have your child dig with a shovel instead of her hands to protect little hands from hidden debris. Don't allow your child to dig deep holes or trenches. If he climbs in or falls in, he could become buried when the sand collapses. Beach shoes or sandals will protect your child's feet from cuts due to shells or other sharp objects on the beach, as well as from getting burned by the hot sand. Many beach shoes are waterproof, so they can be worn into the ocean. Tell your child to be on the lookout for jellyfish that may wash up on the beach. Dead jellyfish can still sting, so they shouldn't be touched, Brewster says.
Sun Safety
Sun protection is especially important at the beach. Reflections from the water and sand make the sun's rays stronger than they might be in a park with lots of greenery. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence. Be sure your child's exposed skin is covered with sunscreen. Use one with a high sun protection factor, or SPF. The sun's burning rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Consider using a beach umbrella and try to get your child to wear a sunhat and sunglasses to protect her eyes and face.
Warning
Rip currents, also known as undertows, cause 100 deaths every year at America's beaches, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA). Rip currents are powerful currents of water flowing away from shore. They often exist where waves are weakened by objects such as rock jetties, piers and natural reefs. The USLA says that 80 percent of children and adults rescued by surf beach lifeguards are because of rip currents. These dangerous currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes, Brewster says. Keep your child away from waters where rip currents may be present and teach him what to do if he gets caught in one--swim parallel to the shore until the pull stops and then swim back to shore.
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