The beach

• Don't let kids swim without adult supervision, preferably where a lifeguard is on duty.
• They shouldn't swim close to piers or pile foundations because sudden water movements may push swimmers into them.
• The beach has special dangers like currents and tides. Look for posted signs about rip currents, jellyfish warnings, surfing restrictions, and other hazards. Also ask the lifeguard about the water conditions.
• Don't allow kids to swim in large waves or undertows. Tell them never to stand with their back to the water because a sudden wave can knock them over.
• Teach kids that if they're caught in a rip current or undertow, they should swim parallel to the shore or should tread water and call for a lifeguard's help.
• In bad weather, they should get out of the water right away. If there's lightning, the lifeguards will close the beach.

Water temperature is important. Enter the water slowly and make sure it feels comfortable for you and your kids.  A temperature below 20 degrees is cold to most swimmers.  Recommended water temperature varies depending on the activity and a swimmer's age. Babies are more comfortable wen the water is on the warmer side of this temperature range.

Body temperature drops more quickly in water than on land. It doesn't take long for hypothermia (when the body loses heat faster than it can make it) to set in.

Get a child who is shivering or has a muscle cramps out of the water right away.