How to Swim in the Ocean with Kids

Swimming in the ocean isn't for everyone. The waves, swirling sand underfoot and wildlife swimming around, as well as the inevitable mouthful of salt water, is enough to keep plenty of people -- adults and children alike -- on dry land. If you are comfortable swimming in the ocean, and your kids know how to swim, then taking them in the ocean probably seems like fun. By introducing your children to the ocean slowly, and not forcing them to do something they are uncomfortable with, you can help them develop a love of the sea.

Things You'll Need

  • Coast Guard approved flotation device

Instructions

    • 1

      Stick with lifeguarded beaches. While beaches with lifeguards add an extra layer of safety, don't let the presence of lifeguards make you complacent. You are still responsible for both yourself and any children you have with you.

    • 2

      Watch the ocean before heading in. The ocean is constantly changing, and just because the water was calm yesterday, doesn't mean it will be today. If there are red or yellow flag warnings up, you certainly don't want to swim with your child. However, you should also use your own common sense. If the waves are breaking hard close to the shore, your child may have trouble getting past them to start swimming. If the current seems to be sending swimmers up or down the coast, you may have trouble keeping your child within arm's reach. If swimmers appear to be bobbing more or less in place, not being pulled in any one direction, it is probably a good day for a swim.

    • 3

      Outfit your child in a Coast Guard-approved flotation device. Even if your child is only wading, a flotation device will help you both feel more confident. Also, the force of the waves can knock your child under water even close to shore.

    • 4

      Avoid roughhousing and diving. While many children are timid when swimming in the ocean, others are overly confident, and they may get a little too daring in the water. Roughhousing and diving can lead to injury, because of the unpredictable nature of the ocean.

    • 5

      Remain sober. It is never a good idea to swim in the ocean -- or anywhere -- after drinking, but it is even more important to remain sober when you have a child with you.

    • 6

      Know what to do if you and your child get caught in a rip current. Rip currents are small channels that pull the water, and anything in them, away from shore. Trying to swim toward shore when you are caught in a rip current is exhausting and often impossible, particularly if you have a child with you. Rip currents are very narrow channels, so if you swim parallel to shore for a few yards, you will typically swim out of the current and can then make your way back to shore.

    • 7

      Keep your child within arm's reach. A child who is submerged for even two minutes will lose consciousness, and once four to six minutes have passed, the child likely has irreversible brain damage. With that in mind, it is important to stay alert and close to your child the entire time they are in the water.

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