What are the things you hate most about the beach? Between sand sticking everywhere, burning sunburn and lost keys, we all have our little pet peeves when we go to the beach. To remedy these little annoyances, there are some simple and ingenious solutions.
1. Crowded beaches
Too many people on the beach? If you don’t want to find yourself “crowded”, avoid peak hours and opt for quieter times. Before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m., the beaches are generally less crowded. By late afternoon, families have packed up and it’s easier to find a place in the sun. For real peace and quiet and to escape the crowds, you’ll need to find a beach on a deserted island accessible only by boat.
2. Sneaky sunburn
Coming back to the office with a tan is often one of the objectives of a vacation. But beware: a nasty sunburn can ruin the rest of your holiday! So remember to slather on the sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or after every swim. And don’t forget your hat and sunglasses! For children, a beach tent will protect them from the sun’s rays and UV rays.
The reflex: avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest hours of the day, i.e. between 12pm and 4pm, when UV radiation is at its strongest.
3. Sticky, scratchy sand
Tired of coming back with sand all over your car? One camper shared with us his tip for removing the sand that sticks to your feet. Simply use baby powder, which absorbs moisture. And presto, the sand comes right off! Sand can be irritating to the skin. So it’s important to shower afterwards, if possible on the beach. Your bathing suit and towel should also be washed.
4. Keys and jewelry lost on the beach
What do you lose most at the beach, apart from your children? For the latter, there are bracelets for finding children who wander off the beach. But what about your valuables: car keys, wallet, cell phone, jewelry? That’s why it’s advisable to take the bare minimum. So, when you go swimming, make sure you don’t leave any valuables in plain sight. If necessary, use a waterproof pouch to keep them with you, or hide them under a towel. Tip: store valuables in a baby diaper. No thief expects to find anything of value in there.
5. Jellyfish, the bête noire of bathers
Just avoid them and don’t worry. Not all jellyfish are stinging, but some can cause mild itching. On the Atlantic coast, you’re more likely to encounter the rhizostoma pulmo jellyfish, or cauliflower jellyfish, which is not very stinging. In the event of a burn, we recommend rubbing the wound with wet sand to get rid of any filaments left behind. You can also use tweezers if you have them. Then apply an antiseptic.
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photo@Alfonso Cerezo /Pixabay