Health TIPS for Kids

Date: 2010.05.25 | Category: HealthTips | Tags:

Featuring: Tropical Waters; Swimming & Beach Safety. 

In a recent trip to Central America, I observed that many travelers unknowingly put themselves and their loved ones at risk by not being more cautious of the potential dangers lurking in tropical waters. If you are going on a trip with your kids to a tropical beach, before you take off may I suggest that you take the time to learn that water used for recreation can also pose dangers.

There are a few precautions that one should be aware of when traveling beaches in the tropics. Many people don’t realize that these waters often contain poisonous plants and animals which disguise themselves to look like rocks or seaweed. For example, a lionfish is a poisonous fish that looks like seaweed. They have dangerous spines that can inflict painful puncture wounds. Other things to look out for are jellyfish, stingrays and sea urchins, as well as many other abundant forms of aquatic life. To avoid getting stung, it is advisable to teach your children to watch where they take a step. For stingrays, apparently if one shuffles, rather than take steps through the tropical waters it will warn the stingray to move away as you approach.

Parents should also be aware that walking barefoot in the tropics, both in the water and on the beach exposes their children not only to the risk of puncture wounds such as these but also to the risk of parasites and fungal infections. To avoid this, parents should encourage their children to wear shoes at all times, especially when wading in the water.

 As well, you need to really check out what lies below the surface before swimming or diving into unfamiliar waters. Submerged objects and strong currents are very dangerous and can cause injuries and drowning. Throughout my travels I have observed numerous situations where swimmers and surfers were caught in very strong ocean currents. Parents should be aware of the very strong currents and riptides that may be present along costal beaches. To add to this, there are usually no lifeguards at beaches in tropical and developing countries. So, parents cannot be cautious enough about warning their kids to stay close to shore and also keeping an eye on them. A good rule of thumb is that if the beach is deserted or there is an obvious absence of locals swimming, then swimming could be dangerous and probably should be avoided.

Travelers should also be aware that in many developing countries, water at ocean beaches (especially near cities and river mouths) is heavily polluted with sewage and other wastes. It is best for parents to avoid letting their children swim in these areas. However if you do decide to swim in these areas, keep your head about water at all times to prevent ear infections and avoid swallowing bacteria laden water. If possible, try to stick to chlorinated pools.

Plan ahead or ask the locals and know the risks associated with your destination. You owe it to your kids to be prepared!

By Esther Briner March 2010  Health TIPS For Kids. Compliments of www.totalKIDS.org and www.watertweeter.com        ~connecting you to the world on water topics that relate to your child’s future, health, well-being and development.