Families are favouring the staycation this summer
It would seem that our children are in need of a lesson of what is happening in their own country.
Children only know about the British coastline and sea life from what they see on TV, according to new research to mark the launch of the new Barbie DVD A Mermaid Tale 2.
But that’s about to change, as statistics show the staycation trend is gathering pace with the coast the number one destination for many this summer.
The Great British Seaside is back in fashion with 35 per cent of parents planning to ditch overseas holidays this year so their children can lap up beaches closer to home, a new poll reveals.
And with most parents insisting swimming will be the main attraction of their UK beach holiday Daybreak presenter and mum of two Kate Garraway is backing a Barbie campaign together with Puddleducks – the UK’s leading swimming trainers for babies and children - to get kids to understand more about the coastline and improve their swimming skills this summer.
Kate says: “As an island, it’s incredible that so many children are only learning about our sea life and the coast from programmes and not experiencing it first hand. Most parents we spoke to, say they think it is important that children spend time on British beaches to learn more about the unique sea life and also to understand how to be safe around water.
“Swimming at the seaside is very different from sessions at the local pool and us mere mortals will not have Barbie’s Mermaid abilities which is why we’ve teamed up with experts coaches at Puddle Ducks to give parents some handy tips for both improving swimming abilities but also to ensure their summer is safe and fun.”
Puddle Ducks Top Tips for children aged five and over:
Here are the top tips for mums to get their children more confident in the water and to better enjoy their time on British beaches this summer:
Swimming on holiday
- Ensure the water temperature is not too cold - If the water feels chilly to you as an adult then it will definitely be too cold for your child
- If there is a strong current or undertow, don’t let your child go into the water no matter how strong a swimmer they are, even in shallow water the strength of the current can be enough to pull a child down, so always be close by
- Ensure your child understands the dangers of swimming in open water, such as depths being deceptive and cold water tiring you out quicker
- Try to discourage the use of large inflatable toys in the sea. Your child could quickly and easily be blown out to sea
Swimming – general tips for the fives and overs: