It’s getting close to that time of year when many families plan their trips away from Oldham to hotter climates (Okay, maybe three months still!). You’ll probably be at the beach, a pool or lakeside during your holiday – forgetting certain things can make your water side experience disappointing, so we’ve made a shortlist of reminders for if you’re swimming or engaged in aquatic activities.
1. Water Resistant Sunscreen
Some people don’t realise this because water is sometimes cold, but it’s very possible to get sunburnt through water and, in fact, the sunburn can be worse than you’d get otherwise. First, some people argue that water magnifies the suns rays and makes them stronger – although we aren’t scientists. Second, water washes off a lot of sun protection you might have applied. And, third, you’re likely to be wearing more revealing clothing. All this is a recipe for a bad and painful sunburn!
It’s important to take the risk of sunburn seriously for general health (the risk of nasty diseases like melanoma for example) but also because it can distract you from paying attention to your water safety. If you come back from your holiday all sunburnt, it might take time for your skin to recover properly, and you might even miss some swimming lessons.
Don’t worry though – a lot of companies now manufacture water resistant sunscreen which can protect you for around half an hour to an hour and a half before you need to reapply it. So, make sure before you go on holiday, you have gotten hold of some sunscreen which specifically says it’s water resistant.
2. Your Water Bottle
If you’re going to be in the sun, it’s important to drink plenty of water. Even though you’re near and possibly in the water, you will still be sweating, exercising and need to stay hydrated. If you’re going to a really hot region like North Africa or the Equator dehydration could affect your comfort, enjoyment and – you know we’re going to say it – safety.
Airport security procedures aside, any water bottle will do. You might want to invest in a high-quality flask though because this will help keep your water chilled, keep the sand out, and they’re often waterproof so if you’re on a boat or other aquatic environment your water won’t get spoiled or contaminated so easily.
3. Entertainment
A holiday spent on the beach or by the swimming pool might sound heavenly but, let’s be honest, we all get a little bored after a while. Whether you’re travelling with or without children, both adults and kids need something extra to keep them entertained whilst they’re on vacation.
Make sure you pack a little something for everyone. A good book for you and for your partner, a stack of magazines you want to catch up on or a pre-prepared relaxing playlist. Anything that would make your beach holiday more pleasant for you! And, of course, make sure you pack some things your little ones can play with – a few little toys, a children’s book or a game that you can all play together. A happy and occupied child will make both yours and their holiday better!
4. First Aid kit
Holidays are always planned to be perfect but occasionally they are not. Travelling with children can be even more unpredictable and it’s always a good idea to plan for minor problems so that your overall experience is not ruined by little things. Having a small first aid kit is always a fantastic idea.
Include some basics like plasters and painkillers – a small cut or a bad headache shouldn’t ruin your holiday fun! You know your loved ones best, so we’re sure you’d know what to pack for specific needs. If your family members have any such specific issues – pack for that occasion just in case. And, make sure you pack something for upset stomach, especially if you’re traveling to a country that may have food you’re not used to!
But, just a reminder, you never know what the regulations around medicine are or what the prices are like when visiting another country. It’s best to pack some essentials at home and check if all your medicines are legal where you are visiting!
5. Accessories
Nothing says summer like putting winter clothes away and taking your summer attire out! But summer doesn’t mean just flowery dresses and shorts. It also means important and really useful accessories like sun hats, sun glasses and flip-flops! They are a must for a summer holiday by the water and each family member should be equipped with these.
Your sun glasses will serve you handy on a blindingly white beach and will protect your eyes from the strong summer sun – nobody likes spending the day squinting hard trying to read a book by the sea. Taking a hat with you can help you keep your head slightly cooler and protected from direct sunlight (and let’s not forget it can also be a very stylish addition to anyone’s outfit.) And to make it even a more useful add to your luggage, a hat will also protect your face from getting sunburnt. Flip-flops are a summer classic and a feat-saver when you’re trying to walk on a burning hot sand! Taking these three accessories will make your holiday much easier and more pleasant.
And a few, mandatory, water safety reminders…
- Follow the instructions of lifeguards if you’re swimming at the pool or beach. They know the water better than you do.
- If you’re in an area which uses a flagging system, pay attention to the flags and don’t go into the water if they’re showing a warning.
- If you are swimming, make sure you swim within your ability. Don’t go too deep for your own comfort and if you don’t know the currents don’t risk it.
- Remember if you’re scuba diving some sea creatures sting, bite and are poisonous… Don’t get stung by a jellyfish.
If you’d like to read some more water safety tips we have a blog here: 5 Water Safety Tips from Dolphin Academy. Have a happy, sunny and safe holiday!