SHARK BITES – Summertime Fun: Hanging Out at the Beach and Pool
It’s that time of the season where folks are vacationing and visiting beaches for the summer. It’s important to make sure you have some much needed essentials to not only protect you and your loved ones from the sun, but to also protect yourself, while in the water.
The following items should be necessities:
- Sunscreen SPF
- Beach Towels/Beach Blankets
- Beach Umbrella
- Cooler filled with plenty of ice and water/juice bottles
- Sand Toys
- First Aid Kit
- Waterproof Camera
- Insect Repellent Wipes
- A To-Go Grill w/ Cooking Utensils
- Goggles, Floats and Tubes
- Don’t forget to bring your smiles, fun, and energy! 😉
Shark Attack!
Summertime is here, and so are many reports of shark attacks at beaches. It has been reported that shark attacks on the East Coast are rising, due to warmer water temperatures. People are literally losing their limbs, due to shark attacks. My heart goes out to all affected by such devastation. My goodness! This is a scary time for folks— especially, with children out of school, teenagers hanging out at the beach, and vacation goers. Everyone still wants to have fun and vacation without the fear of ‘JAWS’ attacking you. Making sure one is alert in the water is extremely important. Don’t simply rely on your lifeguard to “take care of you and yours”. Be proactive and be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that what may look playful, as people are frolicking in the pool or beach water, is not someone in distress, injured, or worse. You’d be surprised how many accident happen in water just because someone looked like they were playing in the water.
Don’t Be a Fool at the Pool!
It’s very easy to get caught up lounging at the neighborhood pool, or one that may be in your backyard, neighbors, or friends home. Accidents can easily happen around the area of the pool. Slipping can easily cause scabbed knees, elbows, chins, twisted ankles, head injuries, etc. You have to be careful just as much outside of a pool, as you would inside of the pool. If you are in a community pool and a lifeguard is on call, make sure to identify who they are, just in case one is immediately needed.
The Heat is On!
Many people LOVE to get a tan. It’s a great way to get an even skin-tone, but it is also a great way to cause health issues—- immediately, or over time! The sun can be your friend when you take the proper steps to protect yourself from it. Make sure you are FULLY COVERED with SPF 30+. Make sure that you are FULLY HYDRATED with water. Make sure you know the SIGNS OF A HEAT STROKE. Click here for a full breakdown of what a heat stroke is and the signs of one.
All Dogs (and Some Cats) Go to… BEACHES… Which is HEAVEN to them! 😉
Fido and Felix are family too. So, keep in mind that your furry friend wants to hang out with you too. Fido wants to doggie paddle so badly, that he’ll just jump right on in the water! As far as cats, there is a misconception that they don’t like water. However, according to PetAdviser.com, some domestic cats enjoy the water— particularly if they live in a region that has a hot, dry climate. So, Felix just may want to cool off with you this summer. Listen to his meows, as he just may be trying to tell you that he wants to go bye-bye too. 🙂
In order for your pets and those around them are at their full potential for fun— make sure all shots are up to date. Believe it or not— pets catch the flu too. Also, make sure they stay hydrated too. They have lots of hair on them, so they tend to overheat quickly.
Rules are rules, so make sure pets are allowed on beaches and at pools. If they are— don’t forget the leash and pooper scooper! Laws and ordinances are enforced!
SN: Look for merchants that offer water and treats for pets! 😉
Sand, Games and Creativity…
I love seeing families at the beach, playing together and getting creative, while making sand castles or sand art. There has never been a time that I didn’t laugh out loud when I see a father buried in the sand. Boy— what parents do to please their child(ren)! 😉 Children get quite creative with their little shovels and buckets. If you get a chance to this summer, try and create one with your family. Go here for some great turtle sand sculpture tips and fun game ideas.
As a reminder, stay as cool as possible, make sure you, your child(ren), and pets, drink plenty of water. But, most importantly…HAVE FUN!!!!!
Sharky wants to know:
- What’s your favorite game to play at the pool?
- Do you like the beach more than the pool, or vice versa?
- Do you take your pet(s) to the beach?
- Did you bury your dad in the sand for Father’s Day?
- Have you ever had an accident at the beach or pool?
- At what age did you learn how to swim?
“Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
