Tips for Enjoying a Day on the Beach

My family can have fun on the beach for several hours if three essentials are taken care of: Safety, Comfort, and Entertainment! With these 3 qualities in mind we have taken family members of all ages and enjoyed the beach for an entire day.

Safety is essential, nothing ruins a fun day more than an injury whether small or large. My first recommendation is to find a beach with a lifeguard. The lifeguards know their beach. Often when I come to a new beach with children I stop by the lifeguard station and ask for the best place to set up camp. They can warn you against the current dangers of the beach. These dangers include undertows, coral, sea urchin, strong crashing waves, jelly fish, etc. They also help in basic swim safety.

My second safety recommendation pertains to fighting sun burns. Many a times I have seen tourists ruin their vacation with one day in the sun that leaves them hurting, peeling, and sometimes really sick. In order to enjoy large lengths of time on the beach you need shade, proper clothing, and sunscreen.

I have tried many different methods for providing shade on a sun drenched beach. You can sometimes find a tree in the back of a beach, but often it is dirty and requires a long walk to your children and the water. I have also tried many kinds of umbrellas… cheap, expensive, large, small, but usually they are difficult to handle, blow over, and do not provide enough comfortable shade for a large party. I have also tried a canopy but it has many of the same disadvantages as the umbrellas. Is there a good solution? Yes, Yes, Yes! We have discovered a beach chair with its own shade that folds up to a back pack. It is the perfect beach chair. It is easy to move as the sun moves, it can be easily put right next to the water and your moving children, and they are comfortable. They are made by Kelsyus and are worth taking in your luggage to the island.

As for proper attire I need a good sun hat and surfer shirt for all members of the family. The surfer shirt is comfortable and covers your back and shoulders. It is made out of the same material as a swim suit and wears in and out of the water. I also love having a light weight sarong for throwing over my legs and feet while I sit in the sun. With this attire and sunscreen the whole family stays sunburn free and happy for the entire vacation.

Nothing entertains me more than sitting on a warm beach, with warm soft sand between my toes, hearing the sound of waves coming in. But, it is worth bringing along a few things to entertain the group. Top on my list is a good book or magazine that can stimulate conversation. Sand building tools are great for kids of all ages. Frisbees, footballs, volleyballs are all great for throwing around. Boogie boards for good waves and snorkel equipment if the beach is right. To end the day some beaches allow fires for a nice sunset bonfire. You can use the fire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows and enjoy a beautiful night sky.

Lastly, think about your comfort. The beach chair previously mentioned adds more comfort than most anything else. Extra towels help for drying off after the day. Extra clothes for children who get tired of their sand filled bathing suit. Long tight swimsuits for boys greatly help prevent young boys from getting sand in very inconvenient areas. Healthy food and snacks help keep energy levels up while playing on a long hot day.

With the above preparations we enjoy a safe fun day on a beach that we remember for many wintry nights to come.