Seven tips to help you have a great day at the beach
Summer's here and school's out which means that it's time for parents to come up with a plan to keep those kids busy and having fun in the nice weather. And what better way to do that than a trip to the beach! It requires a bit of preparation and you may have to drive a fair distance to get there, but if you do it right, it can be one of the most enjoyable summer activities ever. So here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your next trip to the beach...
1. Shower curtain
Kids usually love the water and can spend the whole day splashing around in it. But with their large waves and strong currents, lakes and oceans can be very dangerous places for little ones. That's why parents have to keep a close eye on their children at the beach, which can make it hard for them to relax and enjoy the experience. There is, however, a clever way to keep your kids safe so that you can lie back on a towel and soak up some rays. The trick is to bring a shower curtain or plastic tarp with you and use it to make a makeshift kiddy pool. Simply dig a shallow hole in the sand, lay the shower curtain in it, and pile some sand around the edges to hold it down. A few buckets of water later and you have a perfectly safe body of water for your toddlers to enjoy!
It’s obviously not as fun as waves, but it makes it a lot easier to keep an eye on them.
2. Frozen bottle of water
At the beach, drinking water is essential. Firstly because the heat and sun are the main causes of dehydration, and secondly because of all the activities we do there that lead to further sweating (playing ball, swimming, playing in the sand). To make sure you have enough cool water for your trip to the beach, put some bottles of water in the freezer a few hours before leaving. This trick has the added bonus of keeping your food cool if you put the bottles in your picnic bag.
3. Waterproof container
Bring a sealable plastic container and use it to store your keys, cellphones and other objects that shouldn't come in contact with water. No more worrying about a huge wave drowning your precious belongings!
4. Playpen
Going to the beach with very young children can be tricky — you turn your back for a second and the next thing you know they've got a mouthful of sand! A great solution is to build a makeshift playpen using an old fitted sheet and the bags and coolers you've brought along. Simply lay down the sheet, put the coolers and bags on each corner, and pull the edges of the sheet up to form a sand-proof enclosure. And make sure to create some shade with a parasol.
5. Talcum powder
We don’t know why, but it works. When that wet sand is sticking to your skin, simply sprinkle on some talcum powder and it'll come off like magic!
6. Cocktails
Parents need to have some fun too, and for some that means relaxing with a nice, cool cocktail. To make your beach cocktails, simply mix them up at home, put them in freezer bags, and freeze well before packing them in the cooler. When you're ready for a drink, take one out, let it thaw for a few minutes in the sun, and insert a straw. Voila! You've got your beach bar right there with you. But remember to drink responsibly and not overdo it in the summer heat.
7. Bohemian tent
If you don't have a parasol or sun shelter to bring with you, simply grab an old bed sheet. When you're at the beach you should be able to find some good-sized sticks to use as tent poles and now you can make a "Bohemian tent." Simply set up the sticks and drape the bed sheet over them to make a homemade sun shelter.
With these tips and tricks your next trip to the beach is guaranteed to be a lot more enjoyable. The only other thing to consider is sunblock. Make sure to use lots and always reapply every few hours or after being in the water. Staying out of the direct sun between 12pm and 4pm is also highly recommended.
So what are you waiting for? The sand and surf are calling!