4th of July Beach Checklist!

The 4th of July holiday is just around the corner and for many families, that means a trip to the beach! Parents will pack up the cooler, grab some towels and load up the kids for a day of family fun. There are a few must take items to pack up too!

1. Aviod sunburn!
Sun protection should be number "1" on the list. What is SPF anyway? SPF, is an abbreviation which means sun protection factor. How much time would it take you to burn in the sun unprotected, for me about 20 minutes so if I'm looking at a product that says, "SPF15", all I do is multiply 15x20. So, if I use a SPF15 I should be protected for 300 minutes. Remember to always re-apply sun block after swimming or a good sweat as well!

2. Be careful when walking around.
Little feet need lots of protection at the beach too. It's an absolute must to take a pair of beach shoes for every member of the family to avoid tragedy. There are all kinds of hazards lurking in the sand from broken sea shells, sharp twigs or even washed up glass.

3. Be prepared.
Another good idea, just in case, is the trusty first aid kit. It's also not a bad idea to take some meat tenderizer too. If there are jelly fish sharing the realm, some one is sure to get stung. Meat tenderizer mixed with a little water, until it's a pasty-like consistency, is a recommended remedy to help take away the stinging pain. Just dab it on.

4. Let the kids play their way.
Some kids aren't into the whole building sand castles idea so they need somethingelse to help keep them occupied on the beach. Give each child a small bag and tell them to pick out a few toys that are beach friendly to take along.

5. Snacks!
A day at the beach can be a lot of hard work so take a long some snacks. Pack something practicle that everyone will eat. My family always takes a plastic container of chunked up watermelon or cantaloupe and a big jug of water in our cooler.

The best way to make your holiday beach trip a success is to make a list of what you need, pack the night before your departure and use your list as a check list to make sure you pack everything you need. One last thing, don't forget the towels or to have a safe blast this 4th of July!