Things To Bring When Packing For The Beach (Plus Beach Vacation Safety Tips)

by Mark Blackburn August 06, 2020

Are you heading for the beach?

Before you do, make sure to think about beach safety! We have included a handy tips list that will save you from injuries and accidents. 

And don't forget to don't forget the things you need bring to make sure you make the most out of your weekend getaway. 

Observing Safety on the Beach - Some Tips

You can have fun without forgetting about beach safety. What you want is to bring back good memories when you get home and not injuries or bad news.

So, to ensure you get back in one piece, here are tips to ensure beach safety:

1. Learn how to swim

Before you head out to the beach, make sure you know how to swim. Swimming lessons are a fun but vital survival skill.

Even if you’re only going for sunbathing, you should still know how to swim because you’ll never know when you’ll need it. It really is better to be prepared than sorry.

But if you can’t wait to go to the beach, at least bring a skilled swimmer with you for added safety. You can also bring a floating gear or a life vest, especially if you have to ride a boat.

Make sure you also limit yourself to areas supervised by lifeguards. Most drowning accidents happen at unguarded sites.

2. Check the weather

Before you even start packing for the beach, check if the weather is favourable for water activities. You can always reschedule your trip rather than force your way and put your life at risk.

3. Know what warning flags tell you

The flags you see along the beach coast signify different warning levels. Take note of them and remember their meanings before you proceed with any water activity. When in doubt, ask the lifeguard or any authority in the area for clarifications.

 

While beaches, states, and countries may assign different meanings on the flag colours and symbols, you can use the following information as a general guide:

• Red

High hazard level. Strong waves and currents are present. All swimmers are prohibited from entering the waters.

• Yellow

Medium hazard level. Moderate waves and currents are present in the area, so it’s not advised for beginner-level swimmers.

• Green

Low hazard level. The water in the area is calm, but beachgoers should still exercise caution.

• Purple

• Red over yellow

• Checkered black and white

4. Be wary of the waves

Waves can get stronger without notice. According to a study, strong waves can inflict injuries such as sprains, dislocations, and broken collarbones. In some cases, waves can even cause severe damage like organ trauma and spinal injuries.

Before you head for a swim, always ask the lifeguard on the status of the waves.

Remember rip tides can drown even the strongest swimmers so take heed of the warnings from the local experts.

5. Don’t drink and dive

Studies show that around 22% of drowning-related accidents are linked to drunk individuals. Drinking alcohol also increases the chance of dehydration that can further result in heatstroke during hot weather conditions.

We all know how relaxing it is to sit on the beach with an ice-cold beer on hand. Just remember to drink moderately and always remain sober.

6. Join a Beach Cleanup

No one enjoys going to a beach filled with trash. The calm and relaxing view of the beach can all be ruined by floating water containers, empty packs of chips, and broken glass bottles. Not only do these garbage materials degrade the beach’s condition but also make it more dangerous for people and animals to roam around.

If you love going to the beach, regularly participate in beach cleanup drives. Beach cleaning helps maintain the pristine condition of the place. You’ll also be helping the animals that live there from eating trash that could poison or kill them.

Every year WRAPTIE™ organises and joins in beach cleanups all along the coast of Taiwan. It's a fun way to meet people and feel good about yourself :) 

Did you know? WRAPTIE™ uses recycled plastic bottles in manufacturing the strap. We also avoid all single-use plastic in our packaging. 

 

Another thing you can do to contribute to preserving the condition of the beach is by using refillable, reusable, and recyclable materials. Environment-friendly products reduce the waste that goes to the trash bin and also saves you the cost of buying disposable items.

Now that you know some essential things to take when packing for a beach vacation, do not stop there. Always keep in mind the safety tips we included in this post so that you can have the best time at the beach. Lastly, don't forget to grab our WRAPTIE™ Weekender Bundle! It’s now on sale, so don’t miss the chance to get a multi-purpose strap that’s sturdy and earth-friendly.

What To Bring

Besides the obvious things such as fresh drinking water in a reusable bottle and some snacks (No single-use plastic please!), here is a great list of things to bring to make sure your day at the beach is a winner! 

1. Waterproof phone case

You surely can’t help but bring your camera with you when packing for the beach. Just make sure that you also bring a waterproof pouch that can protect your phone from water and scratches.

Most waterproof pouches fit perfectly with mobile phones. This makes the phone convenient to use even when it’s inside the pouch.

2. Rashguard

Rash guards are a great addition to your beach pack. They can protect you from UV exposure, friction with surfboards, rashes from touching unclean surfaces, and other hazards. Besides, they’re comfortable to wear and they dry quickly.

3. Portable battery pack

Taking scenic photos and selfies the whole day will drain your device. It’s now a crime not to bring a battery pack for recharging your gadgets.

There are portable batteries the size of a lipstick that can fully charge your phone. Always bring one with you to make sure your mobile phone is always on not only for picture-taking but also for emergencies.

4. Beach mat and towel

The sand can get too hot at times, so it’s best to bring a mat for beach safety. A beach mat can also protect your things from sand and dirt.

The best beach mats are made of lightweight, quick-drying, and sustainable materials such as straw or bamboo. The mat should be easy to fold and have weights on the edges to keep it from being blown around. It’s a bonus if you find a beach mat with pockets where you can stash your belongings safely.

5. Sunscreen

Packing for the beach without bringing any sunscreen is like going out naked. Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays can cause various forms of cancers and other skin diseases. Practice beach safety by always bringing plenty of sunscreen with you.

When choosing a sunscreen, get one that’s reef-safe or doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that can cause injuries or negatively impact the environment.

6. Camera

How else will you immortalize every moment if not with a camera?

Underwater cameras are now cheaper, more durable, and easier to purchase. They’re a must-bring item when you’re packing for the beach to capture everything whether you’re underwater or on the shore.

Make sure the camera can also capture sounds for a full playback experience.

7. First-aid kit

Beach safety should always be a priority, so bringing a first-aid kit is a necessity. It’s vital for treating minor injuries like splinters, stuck jellyfish stingers, and insect and animal bites.

Your kit must always have the necessities such as: alcohol, sanitizer, saline solution, bandage, some pain relievers, tweezers, ice pack, bug spray, and basic medicines for common ailments (cough, cold, fever). It's equally important to know how to use these items by learning basic first-aid.

8. Tie-down strap

If you’re bringing surfboards or any water equipment with you, you’ll probably have to use a roof rack for managing the load. Using ordinary ropes or ratchet straps can be ineffective and may damage the equipment.

What you need is a WRAPTIE™ tie-down strap to safely secure the load without damaging it. It doesn’t have any clamp or metallic hook that can cause scratches or dents. It’s also freely adjustable, so you can secure almost any shape of luggage without a hitch.

 

Lucky for you, we’re on sale right now. Get the WRAPTIE™ Weekender Bundle now! You’ll never regret investing in it since it’s multi-purpose and can be used for other things aside from packing for the beach.

9. Beach bag

When you’re packing for the beach, you need a lightweight and spacious bag where you can place all the items on this list.

It should be made of a material that’s easy to clean and get the sand off. Having lots of pockets is also a plus for organizing stuff easier. For a sweeter deal, look for one that includes an insulated cooler bag inside, ideal for your reusable water bottle.

10. Trash bag

After you’ve had your fun, it’s time for beach cleaning. Having a trash bag will be handy for this activity, so make sure you bring one with you.

Always collect your trash before you leave the area and put them in proper containers. If there are no trash bins in sight, take your trash back home with you and dispose of it there.

Never leave any litter on the beach. Think of it as being a guest at a comrade's home. Surely, you won't leave around your used tissue or leftover food around, right? We're all but nature’s guests in its natural wonders, so it’s our ultimate responsibility to clean up after ourselves. 

 

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