How to Prepare for the Beach

Whether you plan to splash in the water, soak up some rays or find some fun tourist activities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a day at the beach. Prepare for your trip to the beach before you arrive to get the most out of your vacation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Umbrella
• Towel
• Refreshments
• Plastic bag
• Change of clothes

1. Check the weather forecast before you head to the beach. It can be dangerous to play at the beach during a rainstorm. Prepare for your beach vacation by having alternate plans for the day, should bad weather keep you indoors.

2. Watch for any surf advisories before you or your children play in the water. Even if the water looks safe, strong riptides and undercurrents can be extremely dangerous. Check the morning paper and talk to the lifeguards on duty about the water conditions.

3. Protect yourself from the sun by bringing plenty of sunscreen and a beach umbrella. Look for a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Make sure you reapply sunscreen throughout the day, ensuring your kids are also adequately protected.

4. Bring plenty of towels so you can dry yourself off after a day at the beach. Prepare for the wet bathing suits you'll shed by bringing a plastic bag. Make sure to pack a change of clothes so you can ride home dry.

5. Pack plenty of snacks and beverages. While many public beaches have restaurants and concession stands, you'll save money by bringing your own snacks. Keep in mind that most beaches have restrictions which prohibit glass bottles and containers.

6. Prepare some fun activities for your time at the beach. Considering taking a short parasailing trip to get a view of the beach from above. Many tourists beaches allow visitors to rent paddleboats, wakeboards or wave-runners.

7. Establish a base camp for your day at the beach. Keep all your towels, sunscreen and refreshments in one central location and instruct your kids to check in with you regularly throughout the day.

8. Plan to leave the beach before nightfall. As soon as it starts getting dark, it's time to get out of the water. There may still be plenty of activities you can enjoy from the safety of the shore or boardwalk.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're traveling to the beach with kids, be prepared to watch them play all day. Bring a book or an portable MP3 player to keep yourself entertained while they splash and swim for hours.
• Not every public beach will have a lifeguard on duty. If you have children, or if you have concerns about your own in-water safety, you should contact the local city or parks department before you make your travel plans to find beaches patrolled by lifeguards.