New England Parents: This Is Your Sign to Put the Phone Down at The Beach

Okay, parents, we all do it. You’re at the beach, the kids are playing, and you think, I’ll just check one thing. A text. An email. A photo. Maybe five minutes of scrolling. 

But a warning from Kennebunk Fire Rescue is a pretty serious reminder that around water, those few seconds can matter.   

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According to News Center Maine, this week at Mother’s Beach in Kennebunk, a kiddo wandered away from their caregiver and ended up in a completely different beach area.

The Warning All Beach Families Need to Hear

A search was launched, and thankfully, the child was found safe and reunited with the caregiver.

But listen, here's the part that really got people's attention: responders said they saw the caregiver return to their phone almost immediately afterward. 

Fire officials issued a blunt message to parents and caregivers: “Phones down. Eyes up.” 

And honestly, I don't think this is about shaming parents. We all get distracted.

We're trying to keep track of beach bags, snacks, sunscreen, towels, siblings and somehow answer a text at the same time. 

But water is different. Very different. 

Read More: Winthrop Veterinary Hospital's Low-stress Approach To Pet Care 

Our kiddos can wander surprisingly quickly, you know how it is, and drowning doesn't necessarily look like the dramatic screaming and splashing we see in movies, right? 

New England lifeguards are there to watch the swimming area and respond to emergencies, but they can't replace an adult who knows exactly where their child is.  

So consider this your friendly New England-parent reminder: put the phone in the bag. Look up. Know where your kids are. 

That Instagram post can wait. Your kid can't.