We
have prepared a number of useful tips on how to get ready for the
"expedition" to the beach. Hopefully, they will help your entire
family enjoy the sun and the seaside. It's best if the entire family
participates in the preparation and packing, of course if the children are
appropriately aged and capable of help. Take the necessary time, make the
preparations fun and avoid stressing out. Anxiety will undoubtedly ruin the
mood and the entire beach experience.
1. Choosing the right beach
- Select a spot where the sea is easily accessible. Beaches with large rocks and
boulders might not be suitable for small children. It helps if the sea deepens
gradually so children can play in the shallows, while such spots are also more
than suitable for family activities in the sea.
- Choose a beach which offers shade during the hottest parts of the
day to hide from the blazing heat.
- If children prefer swimming pools and
require additional stimulation, opt for a beach with water slides, youth
workers and plenty of beach activities.
- Plan for meal breaks. It's easiest when you bring the food with. However, if
you don't, choose a beach which offers catering.
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2. Activities for children
Try
to involve your children into preparations: have them prepare e.g. their toys
that they'll be bringing along.
We recommend:
- Swimming and diving gear (swim fins,
diving mask etc.)
- Games (cards, dominos, Ludo etc.)
- Water toys for family fun (Frisbee,
beach ball etc.)
- Colouring books, empty sheets of paper
and crayons
- Watercolours for painting stones and
shells
- Playdough
- Water toys
- Board games
- Balance bike/skateboard/scooter for fun in
the camp
- Bicycle and bike seat – extremely fun
and useful for exploring the surroundings
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3. Protect yourselves from the sun
Head to the beach early in the morning or in late in
the afternoon, because the sun’s rays are strongest between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
Protect your kids from the dangerous rays of the sun with sunscreen with a high
SPF protection factor. During the day, remember to regularly apply sunscreen as
even water-resistant products will eventually wash off. Don't forget about the
children playing in the shade: the sun's rays penetrating the treetops are just
as strong.
Remember to bring a hat: bonnet, baseball cap or similar. Hats and
caps should be made of permeable lightweight natural materials, such as cotton.
Because of heat and potential dehydration, have your children drink plenty of
fluids with a low sugar content (water, tea, natural juice etc.).
4. The sea floor
In case you're unsure if the sea
floor is littered with sea urchins, have your children wear protective
footwear, even though it is recommended that they go barefoot as much as
possible. Be sure to remove the potential urchin spines from feet or palms
immediately to prevent infection.
Jellyfish stings can also be
painful, especially for children. Be sure to consult your paediatrician. In
case of minor injuries, be sure to also pack a first aid kit.
Take your children to a
family-friendly beach. First off, it should be tidy. If the beach is used for
parties in evenings and is not tidied up before morning, it might be better to
head for a different beach.