Planning a day at the beach with your little ones? While it’s a wonderful way to enjoy fresh air, sea breezes, and sandcastle-building, safety should always come first. From sun protection to water awareness, here’s your essential guide to making sure your family beach trip is fun, safe, and stress-free.
Always Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Child
It only takes a second for curious little feet to wander off. Beaches are wide open spaces full of exciting distractions – crashing waves, other children, and tempting ice cream vans. Whether you’re laying out the towels or chatting with friends, make sure your child is always within sight and never left unattended, especially near the water.
Top tip: Agree on a clear meeting point in case someone gets separated, and dress your child in a brightly coloured hat or swimwear for visibility.
Stick to Lifeguarded Areas for Swimming and Paddling
Before letting your child paddle or swim, check whether the beach is patrolled by lifeguards. Look out for red and yellow flags – these mark the safe zones where lifeguards are present. It’s strongly advised to only swim or paddle between these flags.
Avoid the water entirely if there’s a red flag flying – this means the sea conditions are too dangerous for any activity.
Protect Delicate Skin from Sun Exposure
Sun safety is a must, especially for children’s sensitive skin. Be sure to:
➤ Apply a high SPF sun cream at least 20 minutes before going outside
➤ Reapply regularly – especially after swimming
➤ Pay special attention to shoulders, noses, and the back of the neck
➤ Use waterproof sunscreen if your child will be going in the sea
Bonus tip: Slumbersac’s lightweight hooded bath ponchos offer extra UV protection for the shoulders and back, and they stay on even when your child is dashing around the sand.
Create a Shady Spot
Direct sun can be harsh, even with sunscreen. Bring along a beach tent, parasol, or UV sun shelter to provide a shaded area where your little one can rest, nap, or snack safely out of the sun.
If you have a baby or toddler who still naps, this shaded space can also double as a makeshift cot zone with a blanket and favourite cuddly toy.
Be Prepared for More Than Just the Beach
These tips don’t only apply to coastal visits – they’re just as important at lakes, riversides, outdoor pools, and water parks. Being prepared with sun protection, swimming safety, and a watchful attitude can make every summer outing a smooth and memorable one.
Where to Go: Best Family-Friendly Beaches in the UK
Looking for the perfect spot for your next seaside adventure? Here are some of the most popular family-friendly beaches across the UK, all ideal for safe paddling, sandcastle building, and sunny day picnics:
➤ Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Miles of golden sand, lifeguards in summer, and plenty of cafés and play areas make this a top pick for young families.
➤ Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall
Great for rock pooling and paddling, with lifeguards on duty and a charming seaside town nearby.
➤ West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
Close to London and the South East, this Blue Flag beach offers shallow water, clean facilities, and wide open space for games.
➤ Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Tucked away behind dunes, this peaceful cove is a great choice for adventurous families who love picnics and nature walks.
➤ Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
With a dramatic castle backdrop, rock pools and wide sands, it’s ideal for a full day of coastal exploring.
➤ Filey & Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Traditional seaside fun meets clean, family-friendly shores – perfect for a mix of beach games and ice cream stops.
➤ Ayr & Portobello Beaches, Scotland
These Scottish favourites combine safe swimming with easy access to cafes and transport, perfect for spontaneous sunny days.
No matter where you are in the UK, you’re never too far from a beach that’s perfect for families with little ones. Just pack your sunscreen, ponchos, and buckets – and enjoy a safe and memorable summer by the sea.
Ready for your next beach day?
Don’t forget to explore Slumbersac’s range of lightweight summer sleeping bags and bath ponchos – perfect for warm-weather naps, sun protection, and post-swim cuddles. Browse our summer essentials and make your beach trips even more relaxed and fun for the whole family.
