Florida beaches can be a great place to create memorable family moments. There are few things compared to the vibrant setting sun over the Gulf of Mexico. Children can safely swim in the calm waters. Or, they can build castles in the soft white sand.
Although the beaches in Naples, Florida are generally safe, you still have to be careful, especially when you are traveling with children. The following discussion will provide all the beach safety tips in Naples for families planning their next vacation.
5 Tips For Families Visiting The Beaches In Naples, Florida
Your trip to the beach will be ruined if you fall sick or get a sunburn. Or, maybe the beach authorities suddenly force your family to leave because there’s a storm coming. Things can get much worse if someone receives a sting or cut from the marine life on the beach. Plus, there is the ever-present danger of drowning. You can stay safe from all this with a little care.
Learn About The Weather
From June to November, we see stormy weather in Florida. Hurricanes, thunderstorms, or simply strong winds can start raging at any moment during these months. As a result, the calm tides will suddenly get rough and become dangerous for swimming, surfing, or other activities.
You can avoid this by checking the weather forecast and tide reports. Don’t trust the day just because the morning seems sunny. Instead, check with the weather apps or local news stations for warnings. Also, check the tide schedule and visit the beach during low tides if children are going to swim.
The staff at the rental properties or the hotel you’re staying in are usually updated about these conditions. So, you might want to consult with them before visiting the beach. And if the weather isn’t in your favor you can always swim at one of Naples’s public swimming pools.
Notice The Flags
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has a flag warning program for the beaches. These flags are there to warn visitors about dangerous beach conditions. Family members should be mindful of these flags and their meaning.
- The Green Flag means it’s safe to swim here.
- Yellow Flag tells you to take caution. There are moderate currents in this water.
- A Red Flag indicates a high hazard. The currents are dangerous and you shouldn’t be swimming.
- A double Red Flag means this water is closed to the general public.
- Purple Flag tells visitors to be careful of marine pests like jellyfish, sting rays, and sharks.
Safe Swimming For Children
Firstly, children shouldn’t swim in waters that don’t have a green flag. Secondly, they should stay within the designated swimming areas of the beach. The authorities continuously monitor these waters for hazards. This ensures safety from watercraft or strong currents.
Waters other than these areas don’t guarantee such safety. Naples is a popular spot for various water sports. A swimmer in a non-designated area might suddenly find themselves face-to-face with a violently speeding watercraft.
An adult should always supervise children when they are swimming. Drowning often happens silently. So, be alert, and don’t let the phone or chit-chat distract you. Another smart practice is to have the children swim near the lifeguards. That way you don’t have to rely solely on your supervision.
Is the beach too dangerous for your children to swim? Well, this won’t be a problem if you are staying at one of the affordable Paradise Pool homes in Naples. These beachfront homes offer the same taste of swimming by the sea yet within the safety of a backyard pool.
Floating Devices and Rip Currents
Adults should be careful while swimming at the beach too. It doesn’t matter how good of a swimmer you are in the pool. Outdoor waters are wild and unpredictable. So, it’s best to use a floating device even if you swim well.
Swimmers should also be aware of rip currents. Normal currents move towards the shore and push you along with it. In a rip current, the water moves directly from the shore and towards the sea. Thus, it can pull the swimmer to the sea and drown them.
Observe the water for rip currents before going in. Normally, the foamy water breaks on the shore. You will notice the foam heading back to the sea if there are rip currents.
Don’t try to fight the current if you are caught in one. You’ll have the urge to swim directly back to the shore. However, that won’t work since the water is too strong. Instead, keep swimming parallel to the shore until you get out of it. Then, diagonally swim back to the shore.
Heat Protection
The beaches in Florida, and Naples can get very hot on sunny days. The sand can burn your feet. Meanwhile, the sunlight can hurt the eyes and skin. It also puts you at the risk of dehydration.
Wear UPF-rated swimsuits and rash guards to stay safe. Hats and sunglasses can protect the head and the eyes. Put sunscreen on the exposed skin with special attention to the top of the feet and back of the neck. Reapply every two hours if the day is especially sunny. Flip flops and water shoes are the best footwear for beaches. They protect from hot sand, sharp shells, and broken glass.
The Florida sun can be quite punishing and lead to dehydration. So, bring a water bottle to the beach and keep taking sips throughout the day. Take sips even when you are not thirsty and ensure the children do it too. You can also choose hydrating snacks like oranges, watermelon, and cucumber for the beach.
Plan Your Naples Beach Adventure
You will be talking about Naples beach vacation for years to come. To ensure it's truly pleasant and memorable be aware of the safety practices at the beach. You can also enjoy various other activities during your vacation. For instance, Naples has family-friendly petting zoos and ice cream places. You can also take advantage of the amazing fishing and boating opportunities Naples offers.
However, the pleasantness of your trip largely depends on where you are staying. Naples Florida Rental lists some of the best properties in the area at the most affordable rates. Need more insider tips on visiting Naples, Florida? Join the mailing list for Dana’s Guide To Naples, today.