Make your day at the beach an enjoyable one with this handy checklist. Photo by Getty.
Children love the beach, it’s the greatest playground on earth! But as a parent it can be a daunting experience, because while it’s loads of fun, it’s also busy with no boundaries and packed with potential dangers.
Family Beach Day GuidePlan your family day at the beach using this handy guide:
- Keep an eye on the weather so you know what to expect.
- Visit beachsafe.org.au and check the beach you’re going to will be patrolled by lifeguards and read any warnings issued.
- Pack water and small snacks to keep hydrated and energised. Smaller snacks = less time waiting for food to digest before swimming.
- Wear plenty of sunscreen, a t-shirt and a hat. For super sun protection take a large umbrella or beach tent.
- Learn the OceanFit Ocean Responsibility Code and use it to teach your kids how to have fun and stay safe at the beach.
- Get to the beach early to avoid the crowds and miss the heat of the day.
- Head straight for the red and yellow flags and stay there while swimming. They’re also great for creating boundaries for children when out of the water.
- Always keep within sight and arms reach of your children. Leave the newspaper or book at home – you’re on kid watch!
- Do a beach sweep before you leave for equipment, rubbish and the kids!
- Take ice-cream money because there’s no better way to end a day at the beach.
BEACH CHECKLIST
Pack plenty of activities for the kids! Photo by Getty.
Here’s a handy checklist of things you might need for a fun and safe day at the beach:
- Swimsuit & towel
- Thongs or sand shoes
- Warm clothes for after swimming
- Sunscreen, sunglasses & wide brimmed hat
- Drink bottle and small snacks
- Beach toys: frisbee, ball, bucket and spade
- Body boards & surfboards with safety leashes & fins
- Goggles and swim cap
- Snorkel, mask and flippers
- Beach cricket set or a bat and ball
- Large beach blanket
- Picnic lunch and plastic bag for rubbish
- Beach chairs
- Sun umbrella or sun shelter
- Plastic bucket for wet clothes & towels in car
- Money for ice-creams and other beach treats
- Camera
- Learn The OceanFit Ocean Responsibility Code
- Sunsmart time of day: before 11am & after 4pm
- Checked beachsafe.org.au for a patrolled beach
Andre Slade is the owner of oceanfit.com.au, where you can enhance your ocean lifestyle and discover, learn, watch and share 365 days a year. He has over 15 years in the aquatic and lifesaving industry including experience in pool and ocean lifeguarding, risk management, lifesaving management, surf education and learn to swim. You'll find everything you need to know about the ocean at oceanfit.com.au.
2 Comments
Australia day should be called bogan day.
ReplyLotta stuff to take to a beach!
Reply