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Let’s face it, water is a fun and a refreshing way to beat the summer heat! But, it can also be EXTREMELY dangerous! Keiki Corner is going to give you some helpful hints on ocean safety for your next ohana outing!
ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE ON KEIKI!
It can be hard to keep an eye on the kiddos, especially if you have more than one child, but be a hawk on those babies! Put your phone away! While this may seem like an obvious tip, it’s the most important! Which is why we listed it first! ;) If you need an extra set of eyes bring a family member or friend. Or better yet, hire one of fully screened babysitters! Whatever you need to do, make sure your kids are watched at all times by water.
BE SURE TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE CAPABLE ADULT SWIMMER IN YOUR GROUP!
This tip could be the life saver! It’s always a good idea to bring someone along who has a pretty good understanding of what the days event entails! That way, if something happens, someone is there to act quickly and efficiently to keep everyone safe! Also, it wouldn’t hurt to be CPR certified in the event that someone around needs help! (and if there is no lifeguard present!)
*Want to learn more about becoming CPR certified?
Find more information here!
*Want to you or your child to take swim lessons but don’t know where to go?
Check out our Keiki Swim Lesson Blog Post
Keep up with current and ocean conditions and ALWAYS be aware of posted signs! Remember, when in doubt, DON’T GO OUT!
Check your local weather station, or check out the weather online BEFORE heading to the beach! Make note of any signs posted in the area you are swimming and make everyone in your group aware of said signs!
LIFE GUARDS ARE YOUR FRIENDS
If you are going to an area that has a lifeguard, make sure everyone in the group knows exactly where they are located, and how to communicate an issue fast and efficiently!
*Want to know how to become a lifeguard? Find out here!
Use the “buddy system”
While this technique may not be ideal for younger keiki, older ones should have learned this system or something closely related in school! Give each person in your group a buddy, (Yes, adults too!) this way everyone is accountable for someone and in the case of an emergency they have someone to run to go get help!
Flotation devices are a kid’s best friend!
-Another OBVIOUS tip, but again VERY important! Make sure your kid is in the right flotation devices that is specific to their height, weight and age! If at all possible, test the “floaty(ies)” out BEFOREHAND to make sure they fit properly and work efficiently, so that way if there are any defects you can find them before you head out and avoid a possible accident!
*Want to know if your keiki is in the right flotation device? Find out here!
Sun protection is EXTREMELY important!
-Keep track of the hottest parts of the day in your area, again local weather stations can help with this! Make sure you know the best and worst times to be out in the sun and bring the necessities such as:
-Reef Safe Sunscreen -Hats
-Sun glasses -Water Shoes
*Want to know the TOP 10 Reef Safe sunscreens?
Check out our
AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST…..
STAY HYDRATED!
The sun is outside guys, and it's HOT! Don’t let you or your Keiki get overheated! Just because you are in the water doesn’t mean you’re safe from dehydration! Swimming, causes sweat like any other type of exercise will do! With you being in the water, you probably won't notice that you’re sweating, and you won’t realize you aren’t staying hydrated! Set some time for your kiddos to come out of the water, and get something to drink and take a break! Heat exhaustion is a very real and very scary thing!
As always, stay akamai when near open waters!
ALOHA SUMMER!