No matter when you are going on holiday this year, we thought we’d share some tips about staying safe on the beach while you’re having fun in the sun.
After your little ones have spent the afternoon playing in the sand, they will probably want to cool off in the sea – and whether they’re complete beginners or advanced swimmers, it’s always important to remind them of these eight rules…
Curiosity will get the better of kids at the beach, and soon enough they will want to explore the shallow parts of the sea. Our first tip is to keep a lookout for any rocky areas nearby, which could be dangerous if the waves are forceful enough. Rocky areas can be hard to spot, so make sure you do a thorough check.
It’s always better to keep as close as you can to your child in the sea so you have full confidence that they’re safe – this way you can also enjoy the water with them.
Don’t get in the sea at beaches where there are no lifeguards – they’re specially trained to keep you and your family safe, so make sure they are around. It would be even better if you could situate yourself near a lifeguard while you’re in the water for extra peace of mind.
It’s important to know what the flags mean on the beach, so you know when it’s safe to swim and when it’s not. They’re the easiest way to check what the water conditions are.
Be careful of floats and inflatables – while they can be great for adding excitement when playing in the water, however, they can also be hazardous, obstructing or hindering essential swimming techniques.
It’s always good to reiterate some of the rules for children at the beach, such as always staying close to a parent or guardian and not going near the sea without an adult.
Don’t go swimming near piers – this goes for adults and for children! Piers can sometimes create dangerous currents in the sea and so are always best to avoid.
And of course, always re-apply sun cream, stay hydrated and have fun!
It’s especially important to think about your child’s swimming ability around holiday time when they are more likely to experience deeper waters. In our swimming lessons, children are taught essential skills which enable them to become strong swimmers and gain the confidence they need to enjoy themselves whilst staying safe.
There are never more than 6 children in a swim! lesson, so each and every child can get the focus and attention they need to develop their swimming skills to the best of their ability.