Keeping our children safe is always a top priority for parents. This is especially true when we are on vacation. Vacations expose families to different kinds of risks and dangers depending upon where they travel. Our mode of transportation could include danger and risk as well as what we do once we arrive at our destination. Today, I’m sharing ways to keep your children safe while on vacation. Below are some essential safety and travel tips for different kinds of vacation locations and activities.
Tropical Vacations
When it is cold where you live, taking your family to a tropical getaway is a popular vacation idea. However, there are certain precautions you need to make for babies and small children. Here are a few ways to keep your children:
· Preventing their sensitive skin from dangerous sunburn. Especially, between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun rays are the strongest. You should also apply sunscreen often when they are exposed to the sun.
· Because children don’t sweat as much as adults do, they can become dehydrated faster. Be sure to provide them with enough fluids on a regular basis/ And, watch for signs of dehydration such as fussiness, redness of the skin, and excessive crying.
· Tropical climates are known for insects that bite and children tend to be magnets to them. Using insect repellents will help to protect them. However, you don’t want to cause them harm from the harsh chemicals found in many repellents. Read the labels before using any repellent and be sure to avoid ears, eyes, open cuts, and mouths.
Boating Trips
Many families are boat lovers and taking their children out on the water can be a thrilling adventure. However, keeping them safe is something that requires some basic understanding of boating safety. Some ways to keep your children safe include:
· Create and share your float plan with a family member or local marina staff. Be sure to include where you are going and for how long.
· Establish basic boating rules. They should be required to follow them just like they do at home. For example, they should be told to keep their hands and feet inside the boat at all times.
· Every member of your family should have access to and wear a properly-fitting and age-appropriate life jacket.
· Be aware at all times of what is going on around you when on the water. This includes knowing where your children are and what they are doing.
· Have good situational awareness by always paying attention to other boats in the area, the weather conditions, and the tides and currents.
· Check the boating vessel before leaving the dock to verify that everything is in working order, especially safety equipment.
· Know the responsibilities, rules, and safety precaution responsible boating operators need to learn and follow.
Camping Trips
Taking your family camping can be a great escape from life’s ordinarily hectic routine. There’s nothing like sleeping in tents under the stars and cooking your food over a campfire. It helps families bond and get a release from the stresses of everyday life. Taking necessary precautions to keep everyone safe is imperative. Ways to keep your children safe include:
· Never leave children alone, especially small ones, near an open fire.
· Minimize tick and mosquito bites by applying bug spray to your children’s clothing. Always read the labels first.
· Give each family member a whistle to use in case someone wanders off. This will help your children get back to you should they stray too far from your camping grounds and get lost.
When Travelling Internationally
Taking your children on vacation to another country can be an enjoyable and educational experience. But, it doesn’t come without risks. To make sure your memories are good ones, here’s a few more ways to keep your children safe:
· Vaccinate your children against diseases for the country you plan to visit.
· Before booking your trip, check the security and safety of your preferred destination. If there is unrest, change your plans.
· Purchase world travel health insurance in case someone gets sick or injured while away.
Most importantly, do not take your eyes off your children. They are notorious for wandering away should something catch their eye. Hold their hands when in crowded areas. Another idea is to write your cell phone number on your child’s arm should the unthinkable happen and you lose them in a crowd.
Family vacations are wonderful times for sharing memorable experiences. There are too many horror stories we have all heard about where unplanned events or accidents happen. What was supposed to be a fun time can turn into a nightmare if there wasn’t a list of ways to keep your children safe.
Following necessary safety procedures and using common sense can go a long way to making family vacation memories beautiful experiences. Ways to keep your children safe should always be a priority.
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