It’s a lovely experience to enjoy the seaside or a coastal vacation with your family. If we experienced those in our youth, we often hold onto those memories well into our adulthood. It’s also something of a learning experience. No human on earth can feel anything other than humility when seeing the vast ocean in front of them, and it can be something of a formative experience for anyone, never getting old.
That being said, the sea can be as dangerous as it is inspiring, and that also goes for the beach areas and surrounding places. For this reason, it’s important to be mindful about safety when you head on these vacations, to ensure no unfortunate experiences take place. That can be as simple as making sure you’re very mindful about your child swimming in the ocean, to practicing general care when exposed to direct sunlight.
Let’s consider some tips to help you:
Footwear & Skincare
It doesn’t always seem like a priority when you’re heading to the beach with a towel over your shoulder and a drink in hand, but footwear is essential to get right. Sand heats up quickly under the sun, and that’s not something little feet tend to forget in a hurry. Flip-flops or swim shoes can save a lot of discomfort, especially near rocky areas or boardwalks where splinters can be prevalent. They can also prevent cuts from shells or detritus left by others on the beach.
As for skincare, it’s worth being generous with it. That’s because the coastal breeze can be deceptive, as it cools you down while the sun quietly does its damage. Reapplying throughout the day, especially after swimming, really does help in how everyone feels by evening. It’s also a mistake to think that darker skin protects you from the sun completely, you can still benefit from suncream, even if you may need less of a factor strength than very pale individuals do.
Equipment, Care & Protection
You may wish to pack light when heading to the beach, but a few extras can really help. Shade is one of the most helpful things you can bring, especially if you’re planning to stay a few hours. You just need a simple umbrella or pop-up tent give everyone somewhere to cool off and rehydrate without needing to trek back to the car, and if your children get too excited they have a place to relax and rest.
Hydration’s essential for this of course, as it’s easy to underestimate how much water you’re losing under that sun, especially if you’re in and out of the sea. Bringing a cooler with drinks is a good idea. Moreover, if you’ve got younger children, a basic first-aid kit might be worth keeping in the car, as you never know when a bump or graze will need your attention.
Boat Trips & Ocean Access
Boat trips can be a fantastic experience, especially if they’re run by a trusted local service. Even so, there’s always a need for caution, as life jackets should always be fitted properly, especially for children, and not just tossed on loosely for the sake of it. Any captain worth their salt will insist on it, and it’s not overcautious to double-check. Any maritime lawyer will be able to tell you that if you’re at all concerned, don’t go on the trip, however.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily ensure your family is safe.
