Top Tips for a Safe Day Out at the Beach

There’s nothing quite like a family day at the beach. From building sandcastles and splashing in the sea to hunting for shells and enjoying an ice cream on the promenade, a trip to the coast is one of the UK’s favourite family days out. Whether you’re visiting during the summer holidays, a sunny weekend or on holiday, the beach offers children endless opportunities to play, explore and create lasting memories.

However, while beaches are fantastic places for family fun, they also come with unique hazards that parents and carers should be aware of. Changing tides, strong currents, deep water, hot weather and busy beaches all mean that a little preparation can go a long way in keeping everyone safe.

By planning ahead and teaching children a few simple safety rules, you can enjoy a relaxing day knowing you’ve taken sensible precautions. From choosing a lifeguarded beach and applying sun cream regularly to teaching children what to do if they become separated, these simple tips can help ensure your beach adventure is enjoyable for all the right reasons.

Whether you’re travelling with babies, toddlers or older children, our top beach safety tips will help your family stay safe while making the most of your time by the sea.

In This Article

• Why Beach Safety Is So Important
• 1. Teach Your Child to Swim
• 2. Teach Children to Float to Live
• 3. Consider a Properly Fitted Life Jacket
• 4. Choose a Lifeguarded Beach
• 5. Always Supervise Children Around Water
• 6. Remember That Drowning Can Be Silent
• 7. Teach Your Child What to Do If They Get Lost
• 8. Apply Sun Cream Regularly
• 9. Keep Children Hydrated
• Extra Beach Safety Essentials to Pack
• Find Family-Friendly Beaches and Activities with Club Hub UK

1 – Teach your kids to swim

It sounds like an obvious one but swimming really is a skill that could save your life. If you’re able to teach your kids to swim it’ll make much more confident around the water and able to know what to do should they end up in water accidentally. Also teaching them about the dangers of the ocean and how it is very different to being in a swimming pool will help too.

2 – Float to live

If they are swimming in the sea and they get into trouble teach them to float on their back. This preserves their energy and they can float to calmer waters where they can then swim and shout or wave for help.

3 – Get them a life jacket

If your child isn’t a confident swimmer or if they’re a younger child, getting them a floatation device can help to keep them safe in the water.

4 – Go to life guarded beaches

Life guards are highly trained professionals and are there to spot dangerous rips and keep you safe on the beach. Always swim between the flags on a lifeguarded beach.

5 – ALWAYS supervise your child around the water

Keep eyes on your child at all times. Don’t rely on someone else to watch them (even the lifeguards).

6 – Remember that drowning is silent

Drowning doesn’t look like it does in the movies. There won’t be any thrashing around and waving or shouting. If a child is drowning their lungs will fill up with water and they will slip quietly under the surface of the water. Always supervise your child and don’t let them go out of their depth.

7 – Teach your child what to do if they get lost

Find a landmark – something like the lifeguards tower or a café – and tell them to go there if they get lost and can’t find you. If they are lost and need help encourage them to speak to another mum with children who will be able to help them get to your designated spot.

8 – Apply sun cream regularly

Make sure you apply sun cream 30 minutes before your child is exposed to the sun and at regular intervals throughout the day. If they go in the water it’ll need to be reapplied each time they come out.

9 – Keep them hydrated

Take lots of water with you to make sure little ones stay hydrated in hot weather.

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