Staying Safe At the beach

 

If you love the beach, searching for beach treasures, or decorating with coastal decor, I'm looking for YOU!

Let's talk beach safety again friends. I don't know why there isn't more education on it, so I'll keep talking about it when I can! There have been too many incidents happening this summer, or maybe I'm just more aware of it lately!

Here are my top tips for staying safe:

1. Learn to Spot Riptides: The calm area between waves can be the most dangerous. If caught in a riptide, don't fight it. Let it take you parallel to the shore until you can swim back in or get help. Fighting the current will exhaust you and potential rescuers.
2. Keep Hydrated: Start hydrating before you hit the beach. The Florida sun is intense, so bring plenty of water.
3. Use double Sun Protection: Bring shade and use reef-safe sunscreen. The sun's rays reflect off water and sand, so apply sunscreen even if you're in the shade or if it's cloudy. Avoid spray sunscreens especially for a long stretch at the beach because rub-in types are more effective.
4. Protect Your Feet: Wear shoes walking through the sand. It can get incredibly hot and burn your feet. I may have experience not listening to this advice! And when you walk to the water keep your shoes in the shade or flip them upside down to avoid having them hot when it's time to leave.

The beach is such an amazing place, and make sure you keep yourself and your family safe! Share your tips in the comments!

Signs That Celebrate the Beach Life Safely

Once you have your safety bases covered, there is nothing better than a day at the beach. These are some of our most popular handmade signs for beach lovers who live for the ocean, all hand-painted on real wood and made to order in our Amelia Island, Florida studio.

No Lifeguard On Duty Sign - a nod to the reality of many of our favorite beaches. A clever, coastal sign that works beautifully in bathrooms, entryways, and beach house spaces.

A Day at the Beach Restores My Soul Sign - because it really does. A meaningful sign for anyone who feels most themselves when they are near the water, even when the beach is a drive away.

Private Beach Access Sign - a fun, elevated take on beach signage. Perfect for bathrooms, entryways, and anywhere you want a coastal touch with a sense of humor.

Beach Safety Tips in More Detail

How to Identify a Riptide

Riptides, also called rip currents, are one of the most dangerous hazards at the beach and one of the least understood. A riptide is a narrow, fast-moving channel of water that flows away from shore. It often appears as a calm, flat area of water between breaking waves, sometimes with a slightly discolored or choppy surface. If you see a gap in the wave pattern or a channel of churning, discolored water moving away from shore, that is likely a riptide. Avoid swimming in that area and alert others nearby.

If you are caught in a riptide, the most important thing to remember is not to fight it by swimming directly back to shore. The current is too strong and you will exhaust yourself. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back in at an angle. If you cannot escape, float and signal for help. Most riptide drownings happen because swimmers panic and exhaust themselves fighting the current.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Why It Matters

Reef-safe sunscreen uses mineral-based UV filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to damage coral reefs and marine ecosystems. When you swim in the ocean wearing chemical sunscreen, those ingredients wash off into the water and can contribute to coral bleaching and reef damage. Switching to a reef-safe mineral sunscreen is one of the simplest things you can do to protect the ocean every time you visit the beach. Look for products labeled reef-safe or reef-friendly and check the ingredient list to confirm they use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active UV filter.

Hot Sand Burns: A Real Hazard

Sand on a sunny Florida beach can reach temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, hot enough to cause serious burns in seconds. Always wear sandals or water shoes when walking across the beach, especially during midday when the sand is at its hottest. If you are heading to the water, leave your shoes in the shade or flip them upside down so the soles are not sitting on the hot sand. Coming back to a pair of scorching flip flops after a swim is a miserable experience that is very easy to avoid.

Hydration at the Beach

Dehydration sneaks up on you at the beach faster than almost anywhere else. The combination of heat, sun, salt air, and physical activity means your body loses water quickly, and the sound of the waves and the excitement of being at the beach can make it easy to forget to drink. Start hydrating before you leave home, bring more water than you think you need, and drink regularly throughout the day even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol in the heat of the day, as it accelerates dehydration. If you are spending a full day at the beach, electrolyte drinks or snacks can help replace what you lose through sweat.

More Coastal Inspiration

• Why Do We Love the Beach So Much? - the science and soul behind our love of the ocean
• Finding Shark Teeth on Amelia Island - tips for one of the best beach activities on the East Coast
• Decorate with Coastal Style Wherever You Live - bring the beach home no matter where you are
• What Is Sea Glass and Where to Find It - another reason to love a day at the beach

Stay Safe and Enjoy Every Moment

The beach is one of the most restorative places on earth, and a little preparation goes a long way toward making every visit safe and enjoyable. Know the water conditions before you go, protect your skin, stay hydrated, and watch your feet on the hot sand. And when you get home, surround yourself with the coastal decor that keeps the beach feeling alive in your everyday life. Browse our Beach Every Day collection for handmade signs that celebrate the ocean, or explore our full range of Beachcombing Signs for beach treasure lover favorites. Every sign is hand-painted on real wood and made to order in our Amelia Island, Florida studio.