Bring along water and snacks
Nothing depletes your energy like a day in the sun and water. And after setting up your spot on the sand, you may not want to gather everything up to grab a snack. Too much work! Instead, bring along your own sustenance. Water and healthy snacks can extend your time at the beach and help keep your energy up.
“Wraps are our go-to sandwiches for packing for the beach since they are so easy to eat, without getting sand where you don’t want it. We also love freezing Prosecco grapes for a cheeky afternoon treat, mixing up a non-mayo based pasta salad, and packing plenty of everything snack mix. Packing them all securely in your favorite sturdy food containers (rather than plastic bags) will help keep your snacks safe and sound,” advises Mackenzie Filson, writer for Delish.com.
Pack the essential gear
There’s no getting around it. A beach trip takes some gear. A fun day in the sun is more successful when you’re prepared to handle the demands of sunshine, surf, and sand. Sun protection is your first priority so be sure to pack, apply, and re-apply sunscreen.
“It is important as it saves you from harsh ultraviolet rays, which gets harsher when we are swimming in salty water. A higher SPF rate is suggested for anyone going for beach vacations,” according to Bhavna Bura, writer for TravelTriangle.com.
A sun hat and umbrella are also helpful when shading yourself from the sun. Shield your eyes with a pair of sunglasses that offer ample UV protection. A beach blanket, towel, or outdoor chair offers a nice place to rest on the sand, while also offering a barrier from the hot grains. Water shoes can help you navigate the sand and rocky entries into the water. Pack a small first aid kit to treat minor injuries.
Prioritize safety
Even though the beach is beautiful, it poses a lot of danger. Safety should always be your first priority, even when you’re relaxing on the beach or floating in the water. Speaking of water, if your swimming skills or the swimming skills of your loved ones are lacking, it’s best to set up camp near expert swimmers, like the lifeguard’s station. Close proximity to the lifeguard tower may warrant quicker aid if something should happen, according to Bura.
Learning to read your environment, especially rip currents, is key, too. “The rip currents are so sudden and strong, it wouldn’t give you enough time to fight for your life, especially if you don’t know how to swim. Some of the signs that will help you identify rip currents are — signboards at the beach, discolored water near the shore and difference between the waves,” Bura adds.
With a little prep before, smart packing, and awareness of your environment, you can plan for and have a successful day at the beach.