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.
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).
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