Keeping children safe at the beach

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - As the weather gets warmer, more and more parents will be taking their children to the beach and getting their pools up and running.

While drowning is a huge concern, there are worries about other injuries as well, including jelly fish stings.

CHKD Emergency Center physician Dr. James Schmidt has several tips to keep your children safe.

Tip # 1 - Always have a designated adult at the beach:
· A caregiver claimed to be supervising the child in nearly 9 out of 10 child drowning-related deaths
· Designate a water watcher to focus on the children
· Learn CPR

Tip #2 - Never wash jelly fish stings with fresh water:
· Beached jellyfish can sting
· Avoid temptation to rub or rinse with fresh water!
· Baking soda paste for 30 minutes
· Remove tentacles with shaving, credit card, or shell
· Comfort care: ice, hydrocortisone cream

Tipe #3 - Clear the beach if you hear thunder 30 seconds after seeing lightning:
· 30 / 30 Rule
· If there is less than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder - beware
· Wait 30 minutes after storm to return to beach
· If caught in storm, avoid tall objects. Lie down or crouch until it passes.

If you have other parenting questions, call CHKD Children's Health Hotline at 757-668-7500.