Planning a family trip to the beach is exciting. You’ll want to fill every moment with activities and create lasting memories of a wonderful vacation.
And we’d like to share a few tips that may help keep you and your loved ones safe and happy during your visit to Panama City Beach.
Sun, Sea and Sand Safety
Sun protection is important for every member of the family, and protecting the delicate skin of your children from sun damage is easy to do.
- Sun protection is important for every member of the family, and protecting the delicate skin of your children from sun damage is easy to do. Use high-quality sunscreen, and re-apply it regularly – especially while you’re in the water. It’s also important to use sun protection during the cooler months. For more about the importance of protecting yourself from the sun in winter, check out https://experiencepcb.com/wintersunprotection/
- Remember that there may not be lifeguards available at the beach or pool. Be prepared to keep a close eye on your children and avoid distractions from your phone or reading materials. Most importantly, don’t be tempted to drift off into a relaxing nap while your children are in the water.
- When walking on the beach, watch your steps. Panama City Beach prides itself on our beautiful, clean beaches, but the sand can sometimes hide sharp shells or discarded objects. Teach your kids not to bury their feet in the sand. Also, watch for holes left in the sand by other visitors when you’re enjoying your beach walks.
- It’s also important to remember that the water can cause the sand to wash out from under your feet when you’re standing in water, making it hard to keep your balance. Make sure you watch your kids when they’re playing in the shifting sand. A child can fall and be swept under the water very quickly.
- Rip currents can occur in the Gulf of Mexico, and they are a danger to every swimmer – even the most experienced ones. Check the beach warning flags and obey the recommendations. Be sure to read instructions for escaping rip currents at https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/rip-currents-in-florida-what-to-keep-in-mind#:~:text=Swim%20parallel%2C%20along%20the%20shoreline,%2C%20don’t%20go%20out!
- And remember that inflatable water wings, pool noodles and floats are not adequate protection for a child in water.
- Proper sun protection can make the difference between an enjoyable trip to the beach and a not-so-enjoyable trip to the emergency room. Even on cooler, cloudy days the sun can be harmful. There are dozens of local shops that carry sun shirts, hats, and water shoes. These are well worth a small investment to protect your little ones.
Traffic Safety
Traveling around in a tourist destination sometimes requires a little extra attention. There are often thousands of visitors driving on the streets of PCB, and many of them are distracted. They aren’t familiar with the roads and traffic flows, and that can create an extra layer of danger for other drivers and pedestrians.
Some drivers are looking for a location and may not be paying attention to anything else. They may spot a parking space or a turn and head for it without noticing a child walking nearby.
Crosswalks
Even though there are crosswalks placed throughout the busy streets of PCB, some drivers aren’t used to them, and may not notice the flashing lights. Bay County is ranked higher than any other area in Florida for pedestrian fatalities, so take extra care when crossing the streets during your visit.
The same care should be taken in parking lots and parking garages, and even on local sidewalks.
Golf Carts
Golf Carts are a popular – and fun – mode of transportation in Panama City Beach. But if you plan on travelling in one, be sure you know the rules and regulations.
Make sure a licensed driver is operating the cart, and that all occupants are seated the entire time the vehicle is moving. Passengers falling from a moving golf cart are injured every year because the cart had too many people on it, or because the occupants did not remain seated.
Boats
Boat excursions are a popular activity for visitors to Panama City Beach, and every rental boat is equipped with proper safety equipment.
Make sure your children are actually wearing their life vests, and that they are properly fastened. Also, keep a close eye on kids while the boat is moving. A passenger who falls overboard can easily be injured by a propeller, or knocked unconscious, even if they are wearing a life vest.
Discourage standing in the boat while it’s moving, or sitting on the edge of the boat.
Condos/hotels
There have been a number of children falling over balconies in high-rise condo and hotel buildings in recent years.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help keep curious kids safe:
- Furniture on balconies should be kept away from railings, making it harder for kids to climb on it and topple over a rail.
- Child locks on doors can help keep little ones safe.
- Bar for sliding door – or even a broom handle – will make it hard for kids to open sliding doors when you’re not watching.
- Elevators can be fun for kids, but make sure they aren’t touching the doors as they open or close.
- We love leaving our balcony doors open to enjoy the view, but when another door in a hotel or condo unit is opened, the vacuum created can cause it to slam very hard. Make sure kids know to keep their hands away from slamming doors.
- Gyms are a perk in many hotels and condos in the area, but make sure to follow age restrictions and rules when it comes to using these facilities.
Predators
Lot of folks are here to visit and have a good time, and many are friendly … and harmless.
It still pays to be vigilant and keep an eye on strangers around your children. Don’t feel like you’re being rude by moving your child away from a stranger who makes you feel uneasy.
The law enforcement, business owners and residents of Panama City Beach welcome our visitors.
We want your stay to be safe and enjoyable so that you’ll be back next year!