Growing up, my family and I spent a lot of time in the ocean. My fondest memories were jumping in the old light blue (Smurf-coloured) Holden ute with mum and dad, ready to head down the line to the rugged west coast beach of Mokau.
I was always taught to have a healthy respect for Tangaroa, the god of the ocean. That same respect continues, even more so when I am with my nieces and nephews, my god-daughter or any other tamariki in my care.
Yes, there's the usual things to be aware of, such as making sure the kids have a hat, sunscreen, a rash suit, knowing the weather and water conditions before you head off. But how about preparing the kids for a safe and fun time at the beach? I was fortunate enough during a recent episode of Whanau Living, to get a lifesaving lesson from Surf LifeSaving New Zealand's Alan Mundy about keeping kids "sea safe". Alan had some brilliant advice, much of it common sense - although considering the number of drownings we've had you'd think we'd know better by now.
Teach kids to know their limits, to stay in their comfort zone - no more than chest-deep. Explain to them that when a swell comes in, the depth of the water can rise 60cm and lead to trouble. We need to be aware that boogie boards need to have a fin or the kids need to wear flippers to help prevent them drifting out to sea.
I didn't realise rips cause 90 per cent of the unsafe conditions on beaches, so it makes sense that we should teach our kids how to recognise one and it's as simple as: when the waves are coming in, a calm patch of water is the warning sign, so never swim in the calm patch.
Another sign is where you are up to your chest in water but someone a few metres away is only ankle-deep. Talk with older children about what to do if caught in a rip. Stay calm, lie back and put your hand up and swim across the direction in which you are being dragged. Most rips only go out to only 200m.
We want children to have fun at the beach while keeping safe. Get them involved in beach-safe programmes - maybe it's even a good idea for you as well. Knowledge and understanding will help keep us all safe and happy, so we can enjoy many beautiful summers in Aotearoa.
• Jenny-May Coffin co-presents weekday series Whanau Living, TV One at 10am.