3 Safety Tips For Your Beach Vacation
While traveling to the beach can seem like a dream vacation, without the proper preparation and planning, a trip to the beach could potentially prove to be very dangerous and harmful to you and those you’re traveling with. But luckily, with the right forethought, you can make any beach vacation safe and enjoyable, regardless of things like the weather.
To help you see how this can be done for you, here are three safety tips for your next beach vacation.
Pack Smart
The biggest part of having an enjoyable trip to the beach is knowing that you’ve packed everything that you’ll need. While you might be thinking that all you need is your bathing suit and a beach towel, being out in the water and on the sand can be dangerous if you’re not prepared for the elements.
According to Kate Morin, a contributor to Greatist.com, some of the things you should be sure to pack for your trip include sunscreen, a source of shade, enough water to stay hydrated, the right shoes so your feet don’t get burned by hot sand, and a first aid kit.
When packing these things in your car, make sure you keep everything tied down and secured. Especially with items like umbrellas and beach toys, the last thing you want to have happen on your drive to the beach is to be in a car accident where all these items suddenly become projectiles that could wind up hurting you if they aren’t properly secured or stowed.
Be Careful Of Rip Currents
One of the biggest dangers you can face when swimming in natural bodies of water are currents. In any large body of open water, or in something that’s faster-moving like a river, currents can quickly pick up your body, toss you around, and make it very hard for you to get back to the safety of the shore.
To help you be prepared for this, the Red Cross recommends that you always check water conditions when you get to whatever beach you’ll be at for the day. You can check these things online, by speaking with a lifeguard or other locals, or by paying attention to any flags that have been posted on the beach.
Practice Caution Around Animals
Being on the beach and in the water will put you up close and personal with some types of animals. While most of them aren’t trying to harm you, some could be dangerous if you get too close.
To be as safe as you can, Heather Greenwood Davis, a contributor to National Geographic, reminds us that any animals you see while at the beach are wild animals and should be treated as such. By giving them the space and respect they deserve, you can avoid getting injured or causing harm to them as well.
If you’ve got plans for a beach vacation, consider using the tips mentioned above to ensure you’re able to stay safe on your trip.
