You’re planning to head out to the beach soon, and you want to make sure your beach day is just right. Whether you go often are not, the following are five tips to help you have the perfect beach day.
1. Sunscreen is a Big Deal
Sunscreen is essential, especially in a sunny area like Santa Monica beach. The truth is that even if the day is cloudy, you still need sunscreen, and you need to apply the recommended amount every so often, depending on how long you’re going to be out there. UV rays are a real thing, and they can cause some damage. Sure, some people love to get some UV rays because it means they’ll get a tan, but too much exposure can lead to skin burn. If you make a habit out of this, you could even risk skin cancer, and no one wants that.
2. Dress to Impress
Think about what you’re going to wear to the beach. There’s a lot to consider, like what kind of towel you’ll bring and if you want to get a designer swimsuit. You also want to pay attention to your footwear. Most people go the easy route and take flip flops, but these aren’t the best choice. It’s better to wear beach sandals instead of flip-flops because beach sandals are sturdier without being too heavy. Beach sandals can protect you from the hot sand, while flip flops usually pick up too much sand.
3. Good for Snacking
The next thing you have to pack is the food and drinks you’ll need. Most people love to pack things like sodas or alcoholic beverages, which is okay, but the truth is you’re going to need plenty of water. Even if you’re surrounded by water, the heat can dehydrate you, and the best way to hydrate is with clean water. You also want to bring some snacks. You need foods you don’t have to worry about heating up, like jerky sticks, dried or cured meats, or protein bars. If you pack right, you should be able to stay out there for a while without getting hungry.
4. Adhere to the Rules
Don’t let a little rule-breaking spoil your day. Santa Monica beach opens at six in the morning and closes at dusk. Make sure you plan your day around that. The showers and restrooms close at dusk, too, so if you leave the beach precisely at sunset, you might not be able to rinse off before you leave the area. There is a lifeguard present at the beach. These folks are there to keep everyone safe. Because of this, they will be monitoring everyone. If you or someone in your party is doing something dangerous, they will call you out. Instruct everyone in your party to respect their authority at all times.
5. Remember Swimming Etiquette
The last thing you want to remember is swimming etiquette. There are certain things you and your party have to do if you’re going to be swimming. For example, you want to make sure no one in your party swims alone. You also want to remind everyone not to turn their back on the sea. You always want to pay attention to what’s coming your way. It may not seem that important, but an unexpected wave can throw the most experienced swimmer off balance, which could be dangerous.
Hopefully, these tips make sense to you and help you plan a great day at the beach. Talk to everyone in your party so that you’re all on the same page.
