Beach Safety Tips For Families And Children In Spain

Spain is home to some of Europe’s most family-friendly coastlines — but while sun and sea are fun, safety must always come first. Whether you live here or are just visiting on holiday, it’s essential to understand how to keep children (and adults) safe during a beach day.

Every year, hundreds of accidents occur on Spanish beaches — from jellyfish stings and heatstroke to drownings caused by rip currents. With many incidents preventable through basic precautions, this guide will help you enjoy your beach time without putting your family at risk.

Sun Safety: Don’t Underestimate the Spanish UV

Spain’s sunshine can be intense — especially between June and September. UV rays are strongest from 12pm to 4pm, with temperatures in the south frequently reaching 38–42°C. Children are particularly vulnerable to sunburn, dehydration, and heat exhaustion.

• Apply high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+ or 50+ for kids) 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.
• Encourage the use of wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective swimwear, and sunglasses.
• Use beach umbrellas or rent sunbeds with canopies if shade is limited.
• Make sure children stay hydrated — small water bottles with built-in straws can help younger kids sip often.

Learn the signs of sunstroke and heat exhaustion and act quickly if anyone shows symptoms.

Water Safety: Understanding the Sea in Spain

While the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts are popular for their warm, swimmable waters, they can also be deceptive. In 2023 alone, over 550 people drowned in Spain — many due to rip currents, undertows, and unsupervised swimming.

• Always swim at beaches with lifeguards and respect posted warnings.
• Teach children basic sea rules — no going in without an adult, no running near waves, and always stay within arm’s reach.
• Use armbands or float vests for young swimmers, but never rely on them alone.
• Learn how to recognise and escape rip currents. If caught, stay calm, float, and swim parallel to shore.

Don’t swim after drinking alcohol, or when tired, or alone — especially in unfamiliar waters or at night.

Flag Warnings: What the Colours Mean

Beach flags are your first clue about sea safety:

• Green: Safe to swim
• Yellow: Caution advised
• Red: Dangerous — do not enter
• Jellyfish Flag (Purple): Jellyfish spotted — proceed with care or stay out of the water

Dealing with Jellyfish

Jellyfish are common along Spanish beaches during summer, particularly after storms or heatwaves. Some species can cause painful stings, which may be dangerous for children or those with allergies.

To minimise risk:

• Check local apps or signs for jellyfish alerts before heading to the beach
• If stung, rinse the area with seawater only — never freshwater
• Do not rub the wound; apply a cold compress and seek medical attention if symptoms persist

Learn more about treating jellyfish stings.

First Aid and Beach Essentials

Every family should pack a simple beach safety kit. Include:

• Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and burn cream
• Tweezers (for splinters or stings)
• Electrolyte drinks or powder for rehydration
• A waterproof pouch with ID, phone numbers, and a small amount of cash

First aid kits are inexpensive and widely available at Spanish pharmacies.

Planning for Safety

• Choose Blue Flag beaches — these meet high standards for safety, cleanliness, and environmental care. Spain had over 590 Blue Flag beaches in 2024.
• Check whether jet skis, paddle boards, or surfers are active — these can pose a risk to kids near shorelines.
• Establish a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
• Teach kids to identify lifeguards or trusted adults (e.g., parents with kids) if they become lost.

Beach Safety Rules to Teach Children

• Stay within eyesight of an adult at all times
• Never enter the water alone or without asking permission
• If you lose sight of family, go straight to the pre-chosen meeting spot
• Don’t run near the water — slippery sand can cause falls
• Watch out for jellyfish or sharp shells

Adult Awareness and Common Pitfalls

• Do not rely on inflatables — strong winds or currents can carry children out quickly
• Don’t assume calm water means safe conditions — always assess waves and currents
• Keep your phone charged but stay present — supervision means active attention

Recap: Key Family Beach Safety Tips

• Use high-factor sunscreen and wear protective clothing
• Drink water regularly and avoid alcohol
• Check flag warnings and beach signage
• Swim only at lifeguarded beaches
• Keep children within arm’s reach in the sea
• Know what to do in case of jellyfish stings or currents
• Use Blue Flag beaches where possible
• Bring a basic first aid kit
• Set a meeting point in case of separation
• Talk to your children about safety before entering the water

Beach days should be safe, fun, and relaxing — and with just a few simple precautions, they can be. Stay informed, stay alert, and make the most of Spain’s incredible coastline with peace of mind.

This article was brought to you by HealthPlan — the health insurance in Spain specialists.