Whether you live near the shoreline (or maybe near a lake) or you’re traveling somewhere that features surf, sand and sun, chances are good that you might find yourself at the beach at some point this summer. Many a happy family has gone to spend the day at the beach only to come home completely exhausted, sore, irritated and itchy. If you are planning on going to the beach, particularly if you’re bringing kids along, follow these tips for a smooth, stress-free day:
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Preparation is half the battle. You’re probably not going to a beach in a remote corner of the world, but still, you should try to bring everything that you will need. Once you hit the sand, no one is going to want to get back in the car to pick up something that you’ve forgotten. So double- and triple-check your bag. Make sure that you have a lot of sunscreen, as it should be applied liberally every two hours. For a family of four, this may mean going through an 8-ounce tube, so bring along an extra! If you aren’t sure whether the beach you’re going to has concessions, bring a cooler filled with ice and bottles of water or iced tea, and don’t forget the snacks. Each person should have a towel, and throw an extra for each member of the family in the trunk of the car as well.
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Watch your children like a hawk. If you have small children, it will be second nature to keep them within an arm’s reach at all times: Between the crowds of people and the water, you know better than to let them out of your sight. Even if your kids are bigger, though, keep your eyes on them. Older children can get into trouble in the water, and they’re more likely than the little ones to kick sand around and toss frisbees or balls where other people are lounging, which is just against common beach etiquette. If you don’t want a cranky sunbather to come complaining, keep your kids corralled, or direct them to an unoccupied section of the sand to play their games. Also, don’t let them dig big holes in the sand; children have died from being inside big holes that collapsed, trapping them inside. Any small holes should be filled up when they’re done playing to avoid injuring an unwary beach-walker. And finally, don’t let them feed the seagulls! No one else wants the birds hanging around their towels, and if one person feeds them, they’re not discouraged easily.
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Plan on showering. Getting in the car covered in sunscreen and sand is a recipe for itching, scratching and a lot of necessary vacuuming. If you are driving a rental car, showering at the beach is even more important. Bring along flip flops to protect your feet and assign each child to an adult. If you’re alone with several small kids at the beach, this will take some effort and coordination, but most of the time, it beats the alternative, which is leaving unshowered. Rinse off as well as you can and dress everyone in clean, dry clothing.
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Be aware of and follow local customs. If you’re in a more conservative area, your little bikini might be inappropriate. If you are traveling to parts of Europe or Australia, you might encounter nude or topless sunbathers. Don’t make comments or allow your kids to stare, and keep your camera in your bag. Anyone traveling to a beach destination in another country should be aware of the traditions and norms of the area. Keep that in mind even here in the United States; some areas tend to attract foreigners, who may or may not adhere to our custom of keeping our bathing suits on. In many places, nude or topless swimming and sunbathing is not illegal, so it’s best to simply divert your kids’ interest elsewhere if it becomes an issue.
Many parents find going to the beach more stress than it’s worth, but if you prepare your children ahead of time and are careful to nip obnoxious or dangerous behavior in the bud, you’re likely to have a great, relaxing time. Choose your beach carefully; one with a lifeguard and clean public bathrooms is probably the best bet if you have kids, and follow the tips above.
Do you have any additional tips for beach goers? Share them in the comments section below!
