WITH the sun, sand and sea, a beach holiday is a delight for the entire family,
especially the young ones. Here are 9 essential tips to having a safe and
enjoyable family beach holiday.
#1. Pack a first-aid kit – it should have band aids, gauze, antiseptic lotion
and cotton pads.
#2. Know what to do in the event of a serious accident, like cuts from sharp
coral or rocks, and jellyfish stings.
#3. Apply a maximum-protection sunscreen 20
minutes before you and your family
hit the beach,
and reapply every 20 minutes thereafter. Make sure your little
ones wear a hat and sunglasses for extra protection. If possible, avoid
swimming between 11am and 3pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
#4. Never let your little ones swim in the ocean alone, and make sure the area
you are swimming in is safe
– it should be shallow, clear, clean, free of
sharp rocks and coral, and away from jet-skis and small boats. Always check
that there are lifeguards on duty.
#5. Teach older kids how to signal for help in case they run into trouble while
swimming.
#6. Find out tide timings, so you can gauge the best times to swim.
#7. Never swim at night.
#8. Look out for sharp rocks and shells, broken glass and needles on the beach.
And keep your slippers on at all times while on the beach.
#9. Park your family in a shady spot if possible, so you don’t get sunburnt.
And have enough water on hand to keep everyone hydrated.
