Beach safety tips for your coastal family vacation

Beach safety tips for your coastal family vacation

It may be that time of year when you are all about having fun with the family, but it's vital to stay abreast of these water safety tips. 

Child runs in the sea with protective inflatable sleeves
Child runs in the sea with protective inflatable sleeves/iStock/tora1983

If you and your family are enjoying your holidays in one of the coastal towns this festive season, it's best to stay prepared. 

Besides the super busy roads, the beaches and pools are just as busy, if not busier. As a parent, you might know there can be mayhem where there are crowds. Around this time of year, the chances of missing kids and drownings are higher. 

"More than 2,500 South Africans lose their lives annually due to fatal drowning, of which at least 30% of these deadly casualties are children under the age of 18. The most significant proportion of children that drown are those under the age of 4. This translates to an average of 1 to 2 children drowning every day in South Africa.

Research shows drowning incidents in South Africa reveal specific patterns:

  • The 1–4-year age group has the highest prevalence of drowning among all the age categories. 
  • More males drown in South Africa compared to females. 
  • Sunday is the day of the week when fatal drownings occur most frequently, followed by Saturdays. Fatal drownings are most commonly reported between 16:00 and 20:00. (Child Safe)

Here are some handy tips on ensuring you and your family are safe during your beach or pool visits. 

1. Sun safety

Ensure your kids wear UV-protected swimwear, sunglasses, and waterproof sunblock with an SPF 30 or 50+ (reapply every two hours or each time they come out of the pool). 

Keep them hydrated with water and avoid sugary or sweet drinks. Give them regular snack breaks to maintain good energy levels. Have a shaded area for them to take refuge and rest. 

2. Water Safety

Let the kids play in the shallow areas, and ensure they know to avoid running near the water. Encourage the use of life jackets or floatation devices. Brief them on water safety, the severity of the waves and the current. 

Visit a beach with designated swimming areas and a lifeguard on duty. Please pay attention to your kids, not letting them get out of sight. 

Do not dive or swim in the deep ends if you are not comfortable. Take regular breaks from swimming, and don't tire yourself out. 

3. What to do in case of emergency

Ensure your kids know their full names, contact numbers, and your name. It helps to make sure you all know what each person is wearing and, if possible, wear bright colours so you can spot one another in the crowds. 

If anyone loses the family, agree on a meeting point and discuss what to do if no one comes to collect them after a specific time frame. 

Keep a first aid kit on hand in case of cuts, bruises, stings, and/or bites. 

4. Be safe around the beach environment

Watch out for bluebottles (jellyfish), crabs, and other marine life. Keep your flip-flops or sandals close by, as the sand can get super hot as the day progresses. 

Be mindful of sharp rocks or objects when swimming or walking around. 

Stay away from strong waves that can be unpredictable. 

Tune in to the 'Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', weekdays from 09:00 - 12:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

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Image Courtesy of iStock

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