Every summer, people pack their bathing suits, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a good book for a trip to the beach. However, swimming in the ocean takes different skills, so before you get your feet wet, it’s best to learn how to swim in the surf.
Kids must be supervised even if they’re able to swim, according to experts at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Two-thirds of drowning deaths occur in the summer — between May and August — and most occur on the weekends.
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Beach safety tips
The hospital offered parents the following swimming safety guidelines:
1. Pay attention.
Give kids your undivided attention when they’re in or around the water. Small children can drown in as little as one inch of water.
2. Take turns supervising.
When there are several adults present and children are swimming, designate an adult as the water watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15 minutes).
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This can help prevent gaps in supervision and give other parents a chance to read, make phone calls or take a bathroom break.
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3. Teach your children.
Educate your kids about swimming safety.
Every child is different, so enroll children in swimming lessons when you feel they’re ready.
Whether swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake, teach children to swim with an adult.
Even children who are older, more experienced swimmers should swim with a partner every time.
4. Learn CPR.
It is worth the time and will give you peace of mind if you know what to do in an emergency.
5. Discuss the dangers.
Teach children to never play or swim near drains or suction outlets, which could cause them to get stuck underwater.
6. Invest in life jackets.
On boats, around open bodies of water, or when doing water sports, kids should always wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Make sure the life jacket fits snugly. Have the child raise both arms straight up. If the life jacket hits the child’s chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps may be too loose.
You should also swim only at a lifeguard-protected beach, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
7. Keep Kids Within Arm’s Reach.
Especially in the sea, but also on land.
8. Don’t Dive In.
Two-thirds of catastrophic neck injuries occur in open water and the sea.
9. Knee Deep Is Too Deep.
Strong winds, waves and currents create dangerous rip currents that can sweep a child out to sea.
10. Be aware of rip currents.
If you get caught in one, don’t try to swim against it. Swim parallel to shore until clear of the current.
11. Seek shelter in case of a storm.
If it begins to storm and lightning occurs, you should get out of the water.
Going to the beach is a great way to have fun that the whole family can enjoy this summer. Now you can make sure your family is safe while doing so. And when you head to the beach, don’t forget your SPF!
