For many people, nothing is better than a trip to the beach or a pool when the weather warms up. Here’s how to make sure everyone in your family has a fun, safe time playing in the water.
1. Take Swim Lessons
Before you and your family hit the water, make sure everyone knows basic swim techniques. The free Swim by American Red Cross app provides a way to locate swim lessons near you, learn more about basic water safety, and even track a child’s progress as a swimmer.
First, theSafetysection includes lessons on general water safety, such as ways to properly supervise other swimmers and how to handle an emergency. TheQuizzessection, meanwhile, helps test your knowledge of water safety in lakes, rivers, beaches, pools, and more areas.
For basic water safety information, the Swim by American Red Cross app offers a wealth of resources, particularly for families. With lessons, quizzes, and a progress-tracking feature, it’s a great download.
Download:Swim by American Red Cross foriOS|Android(Free)
2. Pick a Perfect Swim Place
What type of swim outing do you want? Originally designed for traveling adult lap swimmers, theSwimmersGuidewebsite offers details on nearly 25,000 pools around the world. If you’re looking for an exercise session in the pool, this is a great resource with plenty of relevant information.
Meanwhile,Best Beaches Near Mefeatures a large searchable database of US beaches. With details like operating hours, website links, photographs, and even reviews, it’s a handy way to find nearby gems at home or while you’re traveling.
In addition, theBeachSearchersite covers locations all over the world. Check user reviews, wave activity, and even shark prevalence in the ratings. It’s a fantastic way to find your ideal beach spot.
Doing a little research about your swim spot’s opening hours, lifeguard availability, and even the bathroom situation is a great way to ensure your day in the water goes off without a hitch. Plus, checking out the site’s gorgeous photos will help you get all excited about your upcoming beach day.
3. Practice Sun Safety
Bring hats, coverups, sunglasses, and of course plenty of sunscreen. In addition, download someapps to help you enjoy the sun safelyfor reminders to reapply sunscreen, as well as apps that monitor the UV index for your area.
For instance, the SunBlock app includes plenty of tips about the best times to apply (and reapply) sunscreen. Give it information about your skin type, location, and your sunscreen’s SPF rating, and it will tell you when to reapply. It’s a fun, quirky app that serves a serious purpose.
Download:SunBlock - Protect your skin foriOS(Free)
4. Watch the Weather
Before heading out, keep an eye on your area’s temperature highs for the day. In general, a heat index ranging from 80 °F to 90 °F calls for caution when you’re engaging in outdoor activities, and the need for caution only rises as the temperatures continue to climb, according to theNational Weather Service.
In addition, pop-up thunderstorms can catch you by surprise, putting a damper on your swim day. Use thebest free weather appsto stay on top of local conditions any time you’re planning a pool or beach outing.
For starters, the Marine Weather Forecast Pro app uses data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide up-to-date information about any oncoming showers and thunderstorms. Any weather alerts, including flood advisories and rip current warnings, are also displayed.
In addition, the Buoys screen displays data on wave height and water temperature nearby. For the most part, the Marine Weather Forecast app is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to keep an eye on current conditions.
Download:Marine Weather Forecast Pro foriOS(Free, in-app purchases available)
Meanwhile, you’ll want to check out how the weather’s affecting water conditions before heading out to a beach for the day. Designed for surfers—but helpful for general beachgoers as well—the Surfline app provides up-to-date reports on wave height, wind conditions, water temperature, and more.
TheLivescreen provides information on your area’s wave height, cross-shore wind, tide, and water temperature. The map on theChartsscreen, meanwhile, can display information about wave height and period, as well as wind conditions and sea temperature.
Lastly, theGuidescreen provides a write-up about your local spots, including information about crowds, water quality, and even the local vibe (ranging from welcoming to intimidating). This feature is a fun way to scope out some nearby hidden gems you might not know about.
Download:Surfline foriOS|Android(Free, subscription available)
5. Monitor Water Quality and Conditions
If you’re heading out to a beach for your swim, then double-checking the water quality beforehand is a smart idea. Swimming in water with elevated levels of bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants can potentially cause health issues.
Rashes, intestinal issues, and even eye infections are some of the possible problems you can face after spending time in contaminated water, according to theNational Institutes of Health. Checking a website likeHow’s My Waterwaycan tell you whether local rivers, lakes, and beaches are safe for swimming. Make sure your chosen spot has a green Good rating to enjoy the water with greater peace of mind.
In addition, look for apps and websites that monitor the conditions of your local waterways. The Beachsafe app, based in Australia, provides information on a beach’s hazard ratings, including the likelihood of encountering rip currents, sharks, or stingrays.
The app also explains the meanings of beach flags, warning signs, and safety signs, so you’re well-informed about the day’s conditions. It’s a helpful way to enjoy your beach outing safely and learn a bit more about these beaches and their features.
Download:Beachsafe foriOS|Android(Free)
Swim Safely With These Apps and Websites
Spending a day at the pool or beach should focus on one thing: having a wonderful time playing in the water. Don’t let dodgy weather, intense waves, or stinging jellyfish upset your plans. With a little planning and research from these informative apps and websites, you and your crew can enjoy a safe, joyful day in the water.
