Everybody loves summer, and the best summer can be found at good beaches. The fresh air, calm waves and warm sands will assure you some fun. You can do a lot of things, from volleyball, surfing, or just have a sun tanning.
Beach is very nice place indeed. Enjoyed properly however, the beach offers numerous health benefits. The sunlight, for example, when taken in average doses and proper protection, can relieve depression and produce the most natural vitamin D. Swimming is a terrific exercise and do it in the ocean or bay provides great natural resistance for working out your entire body
Jogging and walking on the shifting sand creates challenges that treadmills and hard surfaces can’t offer. The beach requires greater effort so your muscles and tendons work harder. Going barefoot is the best way to go for maximum results. What if you want some solitude or tranquil place to relax your mind? There isn’t a more stress-free way to unwind than enjoying the serenity and tranquility a beach offers.
When’s the last time you played with your children on the beach, built a sandcastle, and built memories that last forever running in the water, body-surfing or even just strolling down the water’s edge looking for seashells? That’s what healthy family bonding is all about. Tide pools, seals, whales, boating, snorkeling, fishing, collecting sea shells, biking along the coast, surfing, diving, beach tennis and volleyball - beaches offer all of these and more.
However, there are some general rules about visiting a beach. Knowing these rules will make your holidays more enjoyable.
- Read and obey every beach warnings and regulations. Always follow each instructions or advises from lifeguards. Report hazardous conditions or incidents immediately to them. If you are in troubles, shout or wave your hands for help.
- Swimming is very delightful experience if done correctly. However, make sure you know that swimming in the sea is different with swimming in a pool. Swim parallel to the shore if you wish to swim in a long distance. Always swim in areas supervised by beach personnel, this zone is usually marked by two red and yellow flags. Avoid swim near rocks and never swim alone. If you are caught in a rip current, swim sideways and do not swim against the current’s pull.
- Always look after your children even when lifeguards are nearby. A small life vest is recommended for children. Stay clear of coastal sand dunes or cliffs, as they can collapse anytime. Do not ignite fire, except on the designated areas.
- Scuba diving is only for trained and certified people. Do not dive into unfamiliar waters as the shallow-like water may be very deep.
- Do not drink alcohol before or during swimming, diving, or boating. Alcohol disrupts your judgment, balance, and coordination. It also reduces your body’s ability to stay warm. Do not take drink glasses, glasses bottles or glass containers to the beach as they can break and threat to bare feet. Wear foot protector (flip-flops is a good idea) all the time, especially on dirty, rocky or hot surfaces.
- Protect your skin from overexposure to UVA and UVB sunrays by applying waterproof sunscreen with a high protection factor (20+ is preferable). Avoid direct sunlight between 11.00 - 15.00 and don’t forget to wear eye protection. A good quality sunglasses which protect against UV rays is the best option. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. It is also useful to replace lost body fluids through sweating. Watch for any signs of heat stroke, which is life-threatening. These signs may include: hot, red and dry skin; rapid and weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Move to a cooler place to chill the body and look for medical help immediately.
- Don’t be a space invader. Your towels, chairs, cooler, umbrella and sand toys ought to be enough distance from others so they can at least get to their spot without walking over your stuffs. That includes keeping your noise, arguments and jokes completely to yourself.
- Gather, then shake. Try walking away from others before shaking your sandy blankets and towels. The windier it is, the farther you ought to go before shaking.
- When you do leave the beach, take your kid’s dirty nappies, food wrappers, soda cans, or any trashes that you’d brought. No one enjoys dirty beach, and it is our job to keep it clean.
It was once said that “Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone”. Always be smart and make those memories of the beach, the sand and the waves truly enjoyable ones.