“Beach safety’s no joke” is one of the least controversial things that I can think of to say. Especially when you add multiple kids into the equation, this statement’s truth rises to the level of other proclamations like “Air is important for breath” or “Hot stoves hurt to touch.”

However, although most everyone has a similar gut reaction to the importance of ensuring kids’ safety at our beaches, very few grasp the complexity of what keeping groups of kids safe at the beach entails in real life. Dare I say, this is a problem... 

With the obvious exception of ocean lifeguards and junior guards programs, organizations like Champ Camp and other specially trained kids beach and surf camps are uniquely equipped to provide a safe beach and ocean experience for kids in the group setting. During the short stint of our Beach Pods program this fall, we’ve witnessed no less than a dozen ocean rescues performed by the brave men and women of the L.A. Co. Lifeguards, along with even more close calls at the bike path and on the strand. 

Most such incidents have been the results of well-intentioned adults and under-the-radar “camps” simply unaware of what goes into safely managing groups of kids in the hugely dynamic beach environment. In theory, everyone will have a grand ol’ time and you’ll make some cash on the side. This holds true until one of your kids gets caught in a rip current, lifeguards spring into action, and you find yourself back on the beach telling one of the other kids “Don’t tell your mom.” It’s important to note that this is not hyperbole— it actually happened last week. Granted, these groups don’t know what they don’t know, but we’re all aware of where roads paved with good intentions lead. 

We get it-- the pandemic has drastically shaken up the school year landscape and folks are seizing the opportunity to scratch the entrepreneurial itch they’ve always had. Honestly, more power to ‘em... but if you’re gonna do it, do it right! For the sake of the kids, establishing a few safety protocols, keeping your group relatively close together, and regularly communicating with the on-duty lifeguard works wonders for the efficacy of any kid-laden beach adventure. Anything less automatically puts kids and others in danger and is frankly just not a good look. 

Interested in getting crucial beach safety tips to help you assemble a safe program, or even just enjoy safer beach days with your family? We’ve got you covered. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly tips! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to inquire with us if you have any specific beach safety questions of your own.

See ya *safely* on the sand,

-Trevor