Two days after I was born it was straight to Grand Isle for me. My family and I would spend entire summers at the beach and on the ocean in Grand Isle, an island off the coast of Louisiana. I learned after years of sunburn, chafe, and knotted hair, how to prepare for the beach.
1. Sunscreen x100000.
As someone with the fairest and pinkest of natural skin, I've had countless sunburns even though my parents slathered me with SPF 50 since I was a baby. You have to reapply just about every hour if you are staying out in the sun. Deep sunburn can cause heat stroke, heat rash, second degree burns, and cancer. Keep that aloe vera close at hand in case of burn. Some not-so-fun facts about sunburn:
-Even one blistered sunburn doubles the chance for melanoma.
-Any 5 sunburns throughout any time of your life more than doubles than chance for melanoma. (Unfortunately, I probably have a 3000% chance, but going strong.)
-Melanoma often occurs from brief and intense sun exposure, rather than frequent tanning.
-Even 15 minutes in the sun can burn you.
-Water reflects the sun and if you're out on the boat, you can burn really quickly.
2. Riptides.
If you are in the water this summer and are dragged out or under into the deep, you have been caught up in a riptide. Once the tide stops dragging you, float on your back and catch your breath; remember to never tire yourself out. You may be very far from the beach now, but don't panic. Turn parallel to the beach (you won't be facing towards it: //). Swim parallel to the beach, and take breaks when you feel even a little tired. Float on your back for breaks. When you reach the beach, as you eventually will, ask a lifeguard or someone at the beach to let you call your family. You never want to swim straight towards the beach because there are stronger tides coming out from there, straight towards you. They will just wear you out and you can get a cramp and drown. Let the people who picked you up know of any injuries and of how much water you swallowed (look up dry drowning). Be safe out there folks. †
3. Wear your sunglasses out there.
Especially for people with blue and green eyes, our eyes are sensitive to the sun, and prolonged exposure can really hurt them, make them itch, or cause damage in the future. Find some thick shades and go rock it!
4. Chafing tip.
For anyone who loves to sit in the sand, play in the ocean, or lay out on the beach, you know that chafing hurts. A few things you can do to help:
-Gold Bond Baby Powder. This yellow container full of fairy dust can heal chafing quicker than you got it. After the shower after the beach, be generous in the affected area and apply often until it heals.
-Stick Deodorant. Now don't put it on your thighs and then get sand in it, because your chafe will be ten times worse, but if you will be walking a while on the beach or to your car, brush the sand off your legs very well, and deodorant can keep you from chafing (you'll need to reapply).
-There are products and types of clothing you can buy, but the simpler the better. (I've heard Pam nonstick cooking spray works but have never tried it.)
5. How to fix your hair.
This might be obvious, but braids are the best. Nowadays, you can do all kinds of braids, but a basic french braid down the back, two braids, a Dutch braid (etc.), all keep your hair free of knots while you're in the water or in the wind of a boat. A ponytail or tight bun allows you to tuck your hair in a cap if you're fishing or swimming around. If you're going to wear buns, twist them tight, or you will be combing them out for days; and if you're a boy with short hair, you're ready to go.
6. Stay hydrated.
Pretty Simple. You dont want to pass out on the beach, especially in Louisiana's '96º in the Shade.'
7. Bring your fruit to the beach!
Watermelon (and other melons), strawberries, and grapes hold a lot of water and they taste good, so they're perfect for a beach or boat snack.
'Laissez le bon temps rouler!!'
