Beach safety: What you need to know
As fun as ocean swimming may be, it is important for parents to take proper precautions to ensure their children have safe and fun experiences.
Today's guest bloggers is Kim Everett, St. Mary Medical Center's Trauma Prevention Coordinator.
Now that the summer has officially begun, it's time to hop in the car and head to the beach for some cool seaside relief. As fun as ocean swimming may be, it is important for parents to take proper precautions to ensure their children have safe and fun experiences.
In light of the recent drowning at the Jersey shore, it is important to remember that supervision is the most important water safety tip while at the beach. You are the first line of protection when it comes to water safety. Yes, there are lifeguards at most beaches, but lifeguards only act as a support for you.
Before your child enters the water, look to see if the lifeguards have posted warning signs for rip current risks. If you do not see them, ask a lifeguard the water conditions and where it is safe to swim. Some beaches will put up flags to indicate designated swimming areas.
Rip tides, or rip currents, are powerful forces of nature that can carry a person out to sea. These currents can form in any large open body of water, such as breaks in sandbars or near structures like jetties and piers. First, educate your child about what these are. Second, tell your child about to do should they get caught in a rip tide. Here are a few tips:
Do not fight the current.
Swim parallel at an angle toward the beach.
Stay calm and call for help.
Float or tread water if you begin to feel tired.
If you will be more than six feet away from your child, have them wear a life vest; even if they are only in a few inches of water. If your child is not a strong swimmer, have them put on a life vest prior to entering the water.
It is important to know the difference between a life-saving device and a swimming assistive device. "Swimmies" are not personal life-saving devices. A life vest is the only flotation designed for life-saving. When shopping for swimming safety gear, look for a tag that identifies the vest as a "life-saving device" – it's an official designation.
Additionally, brush up on your CPR skills. If you need a refresher, you can take a look at the American Red Cross's Pediatric First Aid Ready Reference Guide.
Have a question for the Healthy Kids panel? Ask it here. Read more from the Healthy Kids blog »