Everyone loves a beach day! And none more so than our littlest tamariki, for whom the outdoors is a place for learning, testing themselves, exploring and having lots of fun! 

With the weather on our side right now, many early childhood learning centres and kindergartens are planning day trips to the beach, pool facilities and other aquatic environments. 

These experiences are valuable opportunities where children get real hands-on water safety and beach ecology learning.   

Drowning Prevention Auckland Education Team Leader Lynley Stewart recommends centres who are keen on visiting any aquatic environment take some time to consider the following safety points: 

• Have clear reasons and a focused plan for taking tamariki on a trip to the beach (or any water environment). What are the learning and other goals you are seeking?
• Have reliable adult assistants and make sure they been thoroughly briefed on what is required of them throughout the trip.
• When in and around water active supervision is essential. This involves watching children, within arm’s reach and without the distraction of phones and other devices. Constant scanning and counting heads is important.  
• Identify potential hazards in the environment such as slippery rocks, sharp shells, broken glass, fishhooks and anything else that may cause injury. Have a clear plan as to how you will manage the risks. 
• Ensure you have completed appropriate health and safety documentation for your trip. 
• Accidents in and around water often happen during ‘free time’ on organised trips so keeping to a set plan is important.   

“Water activities are wonderful ways for young children to learn and have enriching experiences,” says Lynley.  “Use this outdoors time to talk to children about some key water safety messages such as  staying close to an adult when near water, wearing a lifejacket on a boat and other watercraft and learning how to float.”  

For further information check out Drowning Prevention Auckland’s website www.dpanz.org.nz 

Download water safety resource for Early Learning Services [PDF]