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| The summer sun is calling you to the beach. You anticipate the soft sand, the refreshing water, and beautifuly scenes. But now is the time to plan ahead so you are ready for this fun experience. |
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| The Beach Bag |
| Choose a beach bag made of a strong fabric, and that has comfortable handles. Beach bags take a beating: they sit in the sun, get tossed in the back of a car, are dragged through sand and over rocks.
Invest in a beach tote bag made from a tough material, such as canvas or dual-ply nylon to withstand the rigors of many days at the beach. Make sure the handles are of a length that is comfortable for you and that will accommodate what you will be transporting: shorter handles might be better for beach bags that carry towels, while longer handles might be better if you need to put the bag over your shoulder and keep your hands free. |
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| Wear Protective Footwear |
| When your at the beach, lake or river, wear protective footwear in the water to avoid cuts, stings and other hazards. This is especially true for the ocean floor which can be hard on your feet. While many beaches are safe and feature little more than sand and the odd shell beneath their waves, there is always a chance for you to encounter a sharp-edged broken shell, or to disturb a crab or other sea creature in his own environment.
On beaches with obvious rocky shorelines, you´ll want to be conscientious about stones that might have sharp, jagged edges that can cause nasty cuts. It is a smart idea to wear some kind of swim footwear in the water at these beaches.
Bring water shoes when visiting the Water Parks. The ground can get hot and so will your feet! |
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| Sun Protection |
| Don't forget the sunscreen! And if your headed for white sand beaches remember that the White sand extra-magnifies the sun's intensity.
Apply sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 for sunblock and sunscreen. Give special attention to the face, nose, ears and shoulders.
Wear a lip balm to protect your tender lips.
The sun's ultraviolet rays are at their strongest during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., so limit your time in the sun during those hours. |
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| Sunglasses |
| Use sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection. It will keep you from tiring so quick and help save your eyes from premature cataracts. |
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| Protection Clothing |
| There are many choices of clothing made specially made for UV protection. Surfers and other water lovers have made these items stylish and cool. Hats are also a great protection for your face, scalp and neck.
Bringing along an extra T-shirt or pair of shorts is not a bad idea. If your beach trip will continue on into the evening, bring a windbreaker or sweat jacket for everyone, just in case the temperature dips down. |
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| Sand Protection - Somthing to Set On |
As appealing as the sand looks in the glistening sun, it gets HOT! Unless you spend your entire time pruning in the ocean, your going to need a place to sit or to lie down on shore.
Some people opt to use their towels as a protection between their bodies and the sand. If you choose to do this, be sure to shake out the towel completely before wiping your wet body with it to prevent chafing of your body.
Other options are mats and blankets. Consider materials with smooth surfaces which are less likely to retain sand when you pick up and go like a mat or beach chair. |
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| Bring Along A Hat |
| Most of us stay indoors a lot of the time. When we go to the beach we need the protection of sun hats with brims and beach umbrellas |
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| Bring Water |
| Being in the sun can quickly dehydrate you. Bring along bottled water, enough for everyone in your family. |
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| Sand & Water Toys |
Kids of all ages love digging and building in the sand so bring shovels and pails, it's a must for a beach visit to build your great sand castle and moat.
There is a huge variety of toys on the market made specifically for water play. Nerf balls and lightweight canvas Frisbee discs are great because they float and often come in neon colors so they can be seen easily. Squirting water toys are also a blast and can keep the kids busy for hours.
Bring along a plastic jar to collect shells. A butterfly or small fishing net can be loads of fun for catching small minnows near lake shorelines. Only take home empty shells, fossilized starfish, and rocks. |
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| Bring A Camera! |
| You can purchase waterproof disposable cameras to capture all of those sunny moments. Inexpensive disposable cameras are even available for underwater use. |
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| Enjoy Your Trip To The Beach |
| Be sure to discuss water safety with your kids before going. |
