Allow young teen to go to the beach with friends (and parent chaperone)?

[Anonymous]

we let our daughter go on a trip like this. the host mother became crazy on the trip and one of the moms drove to florida to pick up her kid (and two others.)

likely that is an outlier and your kids trip will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My scoutmaster training is kicking in saying that you need another adult. Also would need more info on the beach and their safety plan. For many east cost beaches we only allow swimming above the waist in lifeguarded areas. Many many families don't care if there are lifeguards. Plus will there be alcohol?

Agree.

I’d primarily worry about beach safety and the driving, especially with all those kids. And whatever else they might decide to do, like if they can get their hands on motorbikes or whatever.

It would be a no for me.

[Anonymous]

Yep, I'd just remind my kid not to do things that are unsafe even if his friends are. Better to be a weenie than dead or paralyzed with a broken neck.

[Anonymous]

My kids are both pretty good swimmers but I would hesitate only for the water safety issue (assuming we are talking about DE/VA/MD beaches). Rip currents are no joke and can happen at any time. My kids are that age and I don't allow them to go to the beach without DH and we always stay by the lifeguard stands. If you know the dad will be diligently watching them, that would make me feel better but it doesn't sound that way. And handling/watching 5 boys at a time is hard for anyone.

Having said that, if its a beach with calmer waters or they are going to be spending most of the time in the pool, that wouldn't bother me. I care far less about a weekend of junk food, video games and little sleep.

[Anonymous]

Do you always helicopter?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wish parents like this would invite just one friend. Take one friend at a time. No need to make it chaotic. Certainly increases the risk.

When I was growing up my extended family shared a beach house - so we couldn’t have just taken one friend at a time for different weeks during the summer as there were only a few weeks with space for friends.

I’d want more information (presence of lifeguards, whether kids would be doing things I see as more dangerous, like jet skis or night swimming) before saying yes or no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It depends on how much dad will be supervising.

How would you know before you let your kid go?

We take lots of kids to the beach with us. We go most weekends. Over the years we’ve probably take. 25 different kids. No parent has ever said no or even asked what we would be doing.

Not the same.
I have a 12yo and we’ve take friends to the beach too. I’d let her go with a family.
I’m not sure I’d let her go with a group of 5 and only one parent. It’s not the same as bringing a kid on a family vacation.