But for beach safety, it can represent information that could save someone from an unnecessary injury.
A warning gives swimmers a choice.
Stay out of the water.
Wait.
Ask questions.
Watch from the sand.
Let professionals determine when conditions are safe again.
That’s a much better outcome than ignoring a warning and discovering the reason for it firsthand.
What Parents Should Tell Their Children
Children don’t need a frightening explanation.
You can simply tell them:
“The lifeguards saw something that could hurt people in the water, so we’re staying out until they say it’s safe.”
That’s enough.
Teach children that beach flags are not decorations.
Teach them to listen when lifeguards give instructions.
Teach them not to touch unfamiliar animals.
Teach them not to enter the water just because another person does.
And teach them that asking a lifeguard for help is always okay.
These lessons can remain useful long after one beach trip is over.
