Beach safety hints and tips

How to pick the right beach for you

The things that the majority of people are looking for in a beach include showering and fresh water facilities, clean and sanitary toilet facilities, easy transport and parking and the availability of exciting refreshments. However, when you’re planning a beach trip, it’s vital that you bear in mind a few less obvious, but no less important considerations, such as whether there are slippery rocks or dangerous drops from harbour walls or cliff edges and the type of marine life that comes close to shore, for example sharks or jellyfish. But the most important thing to remember is that if you’re planning to mess about in the water, make sure that the beach you are visiting has a lifeguard present.

What you should bring

On a hot day especially, it’s important to keep your fluids up, so take plenty of water for everyone. Avoid alcoholic drinks at the beach, as it can impair your judgement, putting your safety at risk, and it can dehydrate you as well Never enter the water when you’ve been drinking, especially later on when the lifeguards are off duty, as it being under the influence can greatly increase your risk of drowning.

Don’t take too much with you, as you might have quite a distance to walk before you can set down for the day. Obviously, you’ll need towels and sunscreen, and you might want to take a packed lunch and a flask full of cold juice as well. Sometimes, there is nothing better than having a barbeque on the beach, but check that you are allowed to have them on the beach you intend to visit before bringing one. Remember that a disposable barbeque stays hot for a long time after it has finished, so don’t bury it for someone else to burn their feet on.

Stay safe in the sun

Whilst the sunshine may be the primary motivating factor in booking a trip to the beach, you must ensure you avoid direct exposure to the sun, particularly around mid-day. Sunburn can ruin your holiday (not to mention increase the risk of skin cancer), so wear loose clothing and the hardiest sunscreen you can lay your hands on. Remember the old slogan:

• SLIP on a T-shirt
• SLAP on a hat
• SLOP on some sunscreen

As well as protecting yourself in the sun, the other important cover for any holiday is travel insurance. For cheap travel insurance, visit AA Travel Insurance.