What could be better than a sunny day at the beach? Beach trips are accessible and offer countless hours of fun and relaxation. Clear your calendar and make the most out of your day trip with these four tips.

Pack like a pro
Hydration is important if you’re spending all day outdoors, and you may also work up more of an appetite than you think. Pack your cooler with ice at the bottom, then your lunch, then water bottles and snacks on top for easy access. A hard cooler with wheels and handles is often easiest to pack, pull across a parking lot and carry on the sand.

Beat the heat
The sun can be both our friend and our foe. To avoid pain and regret tomorrow, an all-important beach day step is to protect yourself from the sun. Bring an SPF 30 or higher sunblock and reapply frequently. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying before going in the water. However, the best protection from the sun is limiting your exposure. Camping supply manufacturers like Coleman have popup shelters that are great options to protect you from the sun, so you can spend even longer at the beach.

Swimming safely
Even if you feel the beach is safe, it’s always a good idea to be aware of potential dangers and watch young swimmers closely. Make sure kids have a strong foundation when it comes to swimming and teach them to float on their backs when they get tired. Lastly, know what to do if you get caught in a riptide: Remain calm and try to swim parallel to shore.

Enjoy the day at your own pace
Some members of your party will be active all day, while others will be perfectly happy lounging with a book, taking in the fresh air. Remember to pack fun things like footballs and frisbees, but don’t forget a few good chairs. Compact ones can allow you to relax inside or outside your shelter.

Find more inspiration on how you can make the most of a beach day at colemancanada.ca