Summer in Michigan - the Beaches are Calling!

So, we're going to get outdoors more, and there really is no better place to be in Michigan than on the beach!  Beaches come in many shapes and sizes, around small lakes, man-made lakes, man-made beaches or on the shores of any of the lakes surrounding our state.  Besides, a trip to the beach is pretty cheap compared to going to a movie or waterpark.


Every child who is even somewhat able bodied needs to learn to swim.  Unless there are  medical issues why a child cannot be immersed in water , I believe water is good for every child, and that every child needs to feel comfortable in the water and know what to do if they suddenly find themselves in it.  But going to the beach is totally for fun!


By now you have probably heard all the warnings about needing to wear enough sunscreen, reapplying it every two hours, and that all kids should wear full life jackets (and not those little water wings unless under direct adult supervision), and that you need to keep your picnic lunch cold to prevent food poisoning, never swim when the red warning flag is flying (indicating dangerous riptides) and all that.  So I won't go over those details.  What I will tell you is that, in the water or on the shore, there is almost nothing in the world that is more equalizing for children who are blind or visually impaired and their sighted peers than a lot of water and sand to go with it!  


Other than not being very good at tossing beach balls or footballs or other floating toys to each other, blind children and sighted children will both find themselves doing the same things  - building "something" in the sand, jumping in the waves (if your lake is big enough for waves) to get rinsed off, telling themselves pirate stories, playing "king of the ________ (flotation device of your choice), getting tossed into the water by their moms or dads or big brothers, learning to float, learning to propel themselves and eventually learning to swim.  Try it! Build it!  Smash it!  Flood it!  This is life on the beach, and, as long as you don't come home looking like a lobster, it will be a good time for everyone!


FYI - yes, blind people can learn to water ski.  If you wonder how, just ask Jordyn Castor!  What about sailing? Ask Scott Ford, or send your child to sailing camp with Camp Tuhsmeheta this summer!