Beach Day Essentials: 8 Items You Need for a Perfect Day

Fun

Have you been planning to go for a beach picnic with your family? If you have, this is the best time to start gathering all the essentials that will make your beach day fun andsafe. 

 

There are dozens of items that you should carry; ranging from swimsuits to snacks and sunglasses.But the most important ones are:

 

1.    Sun protection

A quality sunscreen should be at the top of your list for things to carry to the beach. Here’s why-it forms a protective barrier on your skin’s surface. This protective layerthen reflects and scatters the rays of the sun; hence, preventing them from penetrating into your skin. 

 

That said, there are a few things you should account for when choosing sunscreen. For one, choose the broad-spectrum variety because it offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays

 

Two, it should have anSPF of at least 30. It should also be water resistant so that it’s not washed away when you sweat or go for a swim. 

 

2.    Beach chair

To make the most of your time at the beach, consider bringing a lounger or chair. 

 

While you can always use the public chairs found at the beach, at times, it’s just better to bring your own. This is particularly true for those who have a difficult time climbing onto or out of very low-to-ground beach chairs. 

 

Buying your own beach chair also gives you the freedom to pick one that is spacious, or has reclining features, which is great for limiting your exposure to the sun. 

 

3.    Umbrella 

Sure, basking in the sun as you soak up some vitamin D is a ton of fun. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should put yourself at risk of getting sunburns.

 

Severe sunburns not only hasten the skin aging process, but they’ve also been linked to certain types of skin cancers. For maximum protection from the sun’s harsh rays, carry an umbrella. 

 

Depending on the terrain, you may find it difficult to dig a hole in the sand that’s deep enough to anchor your umbrella. If you don’t want to struggle setting up your umbrella, then consider getting a beach tent. 

 

4.    Fresh, cool water

When planning a picnic at the beach, ensure you carry plenty of fresh cool water. This way, you can drink as often as you need to, to stay hydrated. 

 

On that note, don’t wait until you’re feeling thirsty to drink. If you’re thirsty, then there’s a good chance that mild dehydration has already started kicking in. 

 

5.    Quick-dry beach towel

Whether you plan to take a dip in the ocean or not,  a beach towel is a must have. And, no, your regular towel doesn’t cut it. 

 

It’s crucial that you invest in a proper beach towel for several reasons. One, it has quick-dry features so you can use it to dry yourself after swimming. 

 

Two, it’s designed to withstand the wear and tear that it will be subjected to. Beach towels get stepped on, and exposed to saltwater, chlorine and the sun for multiple hours.If you use your regular towel, it won’t be able to withstand these elements. 

 

6.    Cooler bag

A trip to the beach isn’t complete without a well made cooler bag. This is essential to keep your beverages and snacks pleasantly ice-cold in the midst of the sweltering summer heat.  

 

Keep in mind that not just any cooler bag will work. It should have a proper form of insulation so it can keep your food cold. It should also be resistant to sand, water; and have enough room to accommodate all the drinks and food items you plan to carry. 

 

7.    Beach blanket

A beach blanket is a handy item to have when you’re at the beach. Not only can it keep you warm when it gets chilly but it can also provide a surface for lounging or picnicking. 

 

When choosing a beach blanket, consider how easy it is to clean. It should also be sand- and water-resistant; and be lightweight enough to carry around. 

 

8.    First-aid kit

Rock climbing, surfing, and swimming are fun activities you can do at the beach, but they also carry a certain amount of risk. 

 

Just in case things go wrong, you’ll want to be well-prepared and that entails carrying an emergency or first-aid kit. Ideally, such a kit should contain:

  • Pain     relief medication
  • Bandages
  • Hand     sanitizer
  • Gloves
  • Bug     spray
  • Thermometer
  • Hydrocortisone     Cream for rashes and bug bites

 

Wrap Up

Are you planning a picnic at the beach? If you are, the first thing you should do is create a list of items that you’ll need to carry. These must-haves are a lounger or beach chair, beach blanket, water, cooler bag, emergency kit, beach towel, an umbrella and sun protection.