Top 10 Safety Tips for Beachside (or Poolside) Babysitting

Splashing around with the kids can be the perfect way to spend a hot summer day--just be sure to take a few safety precautions against the sun, heat, and the waves.  Got a great water safety tip you learned the hard way by having a close-call at the beach or pool?  Tell us by posting a comment!

1. Sun Protection--Childrens' skin is particularly sensitive to the sun, so be sure to keep them slathered with waterproof sunscreen--apply 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours and whenever they come out of the water.  Check with parents to make sure the kids don't  have any allergies or sensitivities to sunscreen (usually it's the SPF factor that irritates skin).  Alternatives are rash guards--swim shirts that offer terrific protection.

2. Head for Cover--Get some shade whenever possible.  Keep the kids covered with lightweight, light-colored clothing, rash guards, hats and big sun umbrellas.  Little beach "pup tents" are also widely available.

3. Cool Shades--Protect their eyes by making sure they wear sunglasses. Inexpensive sunglasses are available everywhere--kids love to pick out shades that make them look cool!

4. Healthy Heat--Kids are especially prone to heat illness, so prevent them from becoming dehydrated.  Make sure they drink lots of water, or sports drinks if they are very active for more than a couple of hours in extremely hot weather.

5. Dehydration--Know the symptoms of dehydration.  If a child is hot, thirsty, irritable, fatigued, or complains of a headache, get them out of the sun and have them drink fluids.  Give them time to cool off.

6. Rules and Regs--Check with the lifeguard for rules, water conditions, and any potential hazards.  If you're swimming in an area that does not have a lifeguard, make sure you're familiar with the area understand the risk--you may not have any help if you run into trouble.

7. Near and Dear--Keep young kids close to you and the lifeguard.  Be sure they are swimming a supervised area. For older kids, make sure they check in with you periodically--literally have them swim to you so you can check in.  Another option is to make sure older kids swim with a "buddy" and do a "buddy count every hour.

8. Supervision--You are in charge while the kids are swimming.  You can't depend on inflatable toys to keep kids afloat and you can't count on lifeguards to babysit for you.  Be alert and stay with the kids to ensure their safety and good behavior in the water.

9. Diving--To prevent serious neck injuries, never let the kids enter the water headfirst until you've made sure the water is deep enough for safe diving. Check with the lifeguard if you're not sure.

10. Lead by Example--Follow your own rules.  It's great reinforcement for the kids.  Take care of your skin, stay hydrated, and swim safely.

Post a comment and let us know about your water-safety tips and close calls!

Comments

[Jessica]

Easy on the sunscreen, pal. I understand why it should be used (I'm a redhead!) but the FDA just doubled the recommended about of Vitamin D in kids, b/c too many are deficient... and they are blaming it on too much sunscreen. Kids need about 20 minutes of sunshine a day. It has to be absorbed through their skin! Just don't go out @ high noon!