It's been a long and chilly winter but summer is officially on the horizon. That can only mean one thing: It's time to feel the sand between your toes! Are you planning a beach trip soon? If so, it's smart to be prepared before you head out. When you bring along everything you need to stay safe and have fun, you can splash in the water and bask in the sun with confidence.

Today, we're sharing a quick guide on how to enjoy a memorable day by the water with your friends and family, staying as protected as possible along the way.

Ready to learn more? Let's get started!

How to Pack for the Beach

Whether you're staying for the full day or just a couple of hours, you'll want to bring along a fully-equipped tote bag full of all the essentials you need. A couple of must-have items include:

  • A wide-brimmed hat
  • Bathing suit
  • Sunscreen
  • Life jackets/swim vests
  • A change of clothes
  • Sunglasses
  • Beach towels
  • First-aid kit
  • An umbrella or sun shelter

What about the bag itself? Stick with a large, water-resistant one that you don't mind getting a little dirty. You also want one with plenty of pockets, so you can separate the damp and sandy items from the rest of the pack.

To save space, try to roll items like towels and your spare clothes. Stick these at the bottom of your bag and layer the rest of the items on top. Put skincare and hygiene products in a separate, water-resistant pouch so they stay clean and dry.

Planning a Beach-Friendly Menu

meal for beach trip

You're bound to work up an appetite making sandcastles and playing volleyball on the shore! Yet, there are some foods that fare better than others in a beach environment.

In addition to the heat, you also have wind and sand to contend with. Regardless of how prepared you are, it will inevitably end up on every surface, all around you! So, it's best to stick to snacks and meals that are as weather-friendly as possible.

Of course, there are a few snack essentials that belong in every beach bag. These include:

In addition to dry snacks, you'll also need to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Bring along a cooler and ice pack to keep your beverages, fresh fruit and sandwiches fresh. Keep it simple and stick to whole fruits and veggies, including:

  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Nectarines
  • Snap peas
  • Mini peppers
  • Baby carrots

If you're planning to bring more than just snacks, a few beach-friendly meals include:

  • Veggie wraps
  • Rotisserie chicken sandwiches
  • Pasta salad
  • Couscous
  • Hard-boiled eggs (peel in advance!)

Above all else, remember the two-hour rule. If you bring along anything you'd normally refrigerate, don't leave it out longer than two hours. If temperatures soar to around 90 degrees or higher, the limit changes to one hour.

Figure Out Transportation

Knowing how to pack, what to bring, and what to eat are three of the top concerns when planning a day at the beach. As such, it's easy to miss other, less obvious details when you're planning.

For one, it's wise to plan out transportation in advance. Will you be driving to the beach? If so, you'll need to know the location of the nearest parking lot, as well as how far it is from beach access. If you're traveling with a group, coordinate who's driving, as well as who's riding with whom.

Or, you might be taking public transportation to the beach if that's an available option. In this case, you can hop online to find the closest route, as well as arrival and departure times.

Keep Your Medical Alerts Visible

medical alert bracelets

One can't-miss accessory that should always accompany a day on the water? Your medical ID bracelet.

Whether you're planning to lounge on a blanket all day or engage in watersports, it's important to make sure your condition is always visible in case of an emergency. While some ID bracelets might be too precious to bring along, you never have to worry about this with Mediband.

Our silicone medical ID wristbands are flexible but durable, designed to hold up against even the most extreme conditions. When you wear yours, you not only bring peace of mind to yourself but to your friends and family members, as well. This is especially beneficial for parents of younger children with a medical condition, who can rest assured that their child's needs are noticeable at all times.

In addition to wristbands, we also offer gold or stainless steel necklaces for those days when you're miles from the beach!

Need another reason to invest? Our bands also affordable, so you can stock up on plenty to accommodate your busy lifestyle!

Enjoy the Water Safely

As you head toward the beach, there are several steps you can take to help your party stay safe.

First, be sure to notice and obey all the signs around you. These can range from "No Parking" signs to important surf warnings, so keep your eyes peeled. Ignoring them or failing to adhere to them can make a great day turn south in seconds.

In addition, remember to never swim alone. Even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer, you need someone else nearby in case of an emergency. If possible, always head to the water in pairs or a group. If there are children in your group, make sure they're properly outfitted in the right life jackets or swim vests fitted to their size and weight.

At the same time, pay close attention to any senior members of your party, as well as anyone who has balance issues, as it the sand can make it hard for them to find their footing. Finally, remember that as much as you're enjoying the water, millions of other sea creatures are too! From sand crabs and jellyfish to sharks, stay on your guard while you're walking and swimming at the beach.

Planning a Beach Trip You'll Always Remember

As the temperatures begin to warm back up, we all have our sights set on the shore. To make sure your trip is as fun and memorable as you imagined, take the time to consider these important steps beforehand.

Whether you're planning a beach trip for two or an epic seaside celebration with all of your friends, the same rules apply: Be prepared, stay safe, and enjoy your time together!

Along the way, wherever life takes you, remember to bring your essential medical alerts along. Our convenient Mediband makes this step a cinch. To learn more about it and the many customization options available, reach out to us today.