Going to the Beach? YAY!

Here are some things great tip and things to consider to ensure the day is memoable

You can forget just about anything else on this list and probably survive your day at the beach, but forget sunscreen... well, just don't!

• Avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the sun's rays (between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.).
• Apply sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15, paying special attention to the face, nose, ears and shoulders.
• A sunscreen with a SPF of 30 more more should be used for children. Babies should not spend a lot of time in the sun, and your pediatrician should be consulted for babies under 6 months of age.
• Don't forget your lips. Bring along a lip balm with a SPF of 15 or more.
• An Aloe-based after-sun lotion is a great way to soothe your skin after a day in the sun.Everyone should consider bringing protective clothing. Even something as simple as a t-shirt can offer relief from the sun's rays. Babies under 6 months old should wear protective clothing, a brimmed sun hat and sunglasses to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.
• Bringing along or renting a beach umbrella is a great idea. It adds greater protection from the sun.

Beach Towels

Bring a BIG Beach towel – 1 per person

Curvy Women Tip: I recommend for those women who dread wearing the bathing suit , wear a light sarong that you can tie around your hips and use as a towel (I’m curvy and I don’t go to the beach without it!)If possible.

I highly recommend a hammock. Sometimes you can find string ones that pack up the size of a pair of socks

Sand & Water Toys

I'd like to say these are optional, but if you have kids, sand and water toys are a must. By nature, kids are active and love digging and building in the sand. Bring along a plastic container to collect shells, and don't forget to leave the live ones on the beach.

Bring a NOODLE, Especially if you’re travelling to the Caribbean – You won’t regret it! When you go home- leave it for a local child 

Drinks & Snacks

Water, water, water. I'm not talking about the water you'll find at the beach. I'm talking about bringing plenty of drinking water for the entire family. Some beaches have concession stands. This is a nice alternative to bringing your own, but be prepared to probably spend lots of money.

Cameras

Do bring a camera to preserve those sunny memories, but don't bring an expensive camera to the beach. You can purchase waterproof disposable cameras and there are now even disposable cameras for underwater use.

Sunburn first aid

There is no such thing as a "healthy tan." Unprotected sun exposure causes premature aging of the skin.

• Sun exposure can cause first and second degree burns.
• Infants and children are especially sensitive to the burning effects of the sun.
• People with fair skin are more likely to get sunburn.
• The sun's rays are best during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m

What to do

• Try taking a COLD  bath or shower.
• Apply a soothing lotion to the skin or Aloe is the very best. Aloe contains active compounds that help stop pain and inflammation of the skin. 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call immediately if there are signs of shock, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or other serious reaction.

These signs include:

• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Rapid pulse or rapid breathing
• Extreme thirst, no urine output, or sunken eyes
• Pale, clammy, or cool skin
• Nausea, fever, chills, or rash
• Your eyes hurt and are sensitive to light
• Severe, painful blisters 

Got kids?

Here are some ideas

Let kids take turns deciding what treasures they should look for in the sand. Make up a story about your own sea adventure, letting each one add to it as the day goes on.

Make sure you let their minds wander AND not supplying lots of toys etc. C'mon, its the BEACH!!!

collapse -