Summer is here which means a trip to the beach for a fun day out will be on many of our lists.
Whether you’re a beach veteran or rookie, take a look at our ‘beach trip tips’, to help you enjoy your visit that little bit more.
1) Bring your own shade!
You should aim to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when it’s at its hottest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy being outside at the same time. 1
The next time you go to the beach, taking a small pop-up beach tent is useful to create that all important shade from the sun.
It comes in handy if you need to take a break from the sun, or as somewhere to eat lunch and snacks. It’s also ideal if you have a little one who still needs to nap, just make sure to keep the tent well ventilated. A large beach umbrella above the tent can also help stop it from getting too hot inside.
It’s important to stay safe while enjoying yourself at the beach, so remember the 5 Ss – Sunscreen, Sun hat, Sunglasses, Shoulders and Shade!
2) Keep your (drinks) cool
When you’re at the beach, it’s important to stay hydrated. Water is the healthiest way to stay hydrated, plus it’s also free! 2
If you take a drinks cooler with you, or reusable drinks bottles you’ve frozen the night before, keep them cold by digging out the sand just big enough for your cooler or bottles.
Taking a beach umbrella is a great way to keep you and your drinks cool and out of the sun!
3) Protect your beach towel from the sand
When you visit the beach, it is inevitable that sand will go everywhere and get into everything, especially if you have children or a four-legged friend with you.
An easy way to help keep the sand off your towel (and out of your bags) is to use an old fitted sheet.
You’ll need four ‘anchors’, typically coolers and bags work if they’re heavy (and let’s face it, if you’re going to the beach with the whole family, you’ll be taking enough bags!) You could even try this tip with a camping chair.
- Place the fitted sheet upside down on the sand and stretch it out as far as it will go.
- Place one heavy anchor (bag or cooler) in each corner.
- Pull the corners up over the anchors to make four walls.
If placed correctly, the four sides of the sheet are now walls that should keep most of the sand out, which you and your family can enjoy when not in the water or building sandcastles!
4) Baby powder removes moisture from sandy hands and feet
Sand on your hands and feet that refuses to budge can be a pain. And trying to brush it off while still moist is almost impossible (and it can hurt!)
On your next trip, pick up a bottle of baby powder – talc or corn-starch-based powders both work – as baby powder removes moisture from the sand which means you can brush it off with ease.
Once you leave the beach, allow the kids and adults to dry off. Then, sprinkle the baby powder on the sand that’s sticking. Now, you should be able to just brush it off with your hands, or a towel. Plus, it should leave your feet feeling lovely and soft!
5) Say bye-bye to sand with net or mesh bags!
Have you ever arrived home, started to unpack your bags and found that you’ve brought some of the beach home with you? Yes, we’ve all been there!
A simple switch to reusable net or mesh bags will help keep your things sand free. Just give your bags a shake when you leave the beach, and the sand should fall right off.
6) Sunburn? Use refrigerated aloe vera
It’s important to make sure you wear sunscreen while out in the sun. The British Skin Foundation recommends wearing sunscreen containing UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 30 or more. 3
If you still get minor sunburn or inflamed skin, it’s important to act fast to cool it down. Using refrigerated aloe vera gel is a great way to cool your skin down, while helping to soothe any inflammation.
The NHS website also has advice on sunburn and how to ease it.
We hope these tips will help you have a great beach day, whether you’re with your friends, family or four legged favourites!
The Met Office has more information about staying safe at the beach.