Have You Paid Your (Lifeguard) Babysitter?
Lifeguards have taken the lifesaving and endurance classes and the cream of the crop that passed with flying colors can now be seen on the beach, at the municipal pool or your favorite lake in California, guarding and keeping you safe. They’re also watching thousands of youth who have been let loose by their parents in a form of entertainment and free babysitting.
The annual ritual of dropping the kids off at the pool or beach is in full bloom, and while it’s expected that lifeguards are paid to protect lives, make sure your kids are responsible enough to be left alone. Age 13 is the general guideline some cities use for allowing kids to take beach buses or attend municipal pools without the parents. Children with special disabilities and needs may be one exception to age guidelines.
Basic Guidelines:
- Do not send kids to the beach or pool if they don’t know how to swim.
- Don’t send them there alone — always use a buddy system.
- Provide them ample protection — money for food, phone for communication, sunblock, at minimum.
- Make sure you’ve gone over a plan similar to an emergency plan you should have for earthquakes and disasters.
- Give kids smaller responsibility trials before letting them go for an afternoon or day.
- Make sure they are capable of handling tasks, responsibilities and instructions.
- Don’t send your kid to the pool or beach just because you need a babysitter. It’s too risky. Lifeguard have hundreds or thousands of kids and adults to watch.
- Talk to the lifeguards. Ask them about their capabilities and you’ll get a feel for how your child is being watched.
- Go with your kids the first time, and teach them how to act at their local swim facility or beach. Teach them about throwing away their trash, too! Many youngsters behave irresponsibly without parental supervision. You should see the beach at the end of the day after hordes of kids have gone home! It can be a mess.
Beach Safety:
- Do the stingray shuffle
- Unexpected dangers
- Rip Currents – don’t go in the water but if caught in a rip current, do not swim against it. Swim parallel to the beach until free of the current, then head for shore.
- Check with lifeguards.
- Check water quality before you go (healthebay.org)
- Don’t go in the water 2-3 days after it rains.
