Your Trip Guru

Everyone, it seems, loves a trip to the beach. But whether you’re there for a day, a week, or even a year, there are a number of things you can do to make sure you remember your visit with pleasure, rather than pain.

Before you reach your destinationMake sure you have plenty of sun block with you, and use it liberally. That’s especially important if you have children, since their skin burns easily - and make sure they wear a hat to cover their scalps. Buy at least an SPF 15 (higher is good), and preferably a brand that doesn’t wash off in the water. If you’re the type of person who turns red rather than tans, wear a hat too, and keep your body covered. Pack a sun umbrella, if you have one, and sit under it. You’ll still enjoy the sand and the sea air, and it’s much better than days of peeling and sore tan. In The WaterFind out the times of high and low tides, and keep an eye on your children. All too often they’ll go exploring and find themselves trapped as the water sweeps in suddenly. If the kids are going to take a dip in the sea, have them stay very close to the shore. Always supervise them in the water, as many beaches have potentially lethal undertows and riptides that can drag a young one out to sea before you know it. Be alert and know where the people in your party are at all times. Only swim between the red and yellow flags put up by the lifeguards - those are the safe areas. Don’t venture too far out, as it’s all too easy to find yourself beyond your depth and panicking. By staying inshore you’ll also avoid speed boats and water skiers, a menace to swimmers. Tempting as it is, never take helium balloon rafts into the sea; they can be carried off by the waves, with you, or someone you love, on them. Always, at all times, obey the lifeguards. They’re there to protect you. Should you be stung by a jellyfish, don’t worry too much. In most places the worst you’ll suffer is some pain. Get out of the water; wash the affected area with salt water - never fresh! Then carefully remove the stings from the flesh. If you can, douse the wound with white vinegar, take some acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and rest for a while. In the pain continues or you have an adverse reaction, seek medical help immediately.

If you’re in an area that has sharks and an alert sounds, make sure you - and everyone with you - leave the water in a quick but orderly manner. Panicking won’t help anyone!

On The BeachKids have a habit of wandering away whilst their parents are doing other things. If that happens, inform the lifeguard immediately. He can tell the police and patrols. Search with an prepared plan, and leave one person where you were in case the child returns. If the children do go to buy an ice cream, make sure they know exactly where you are; you could try fixing a flag or scarf to your windbreak/shelter. Remind them, too, that road safety rules apply just as much at the seaside as at home - maybe even more so, with distracted drivers around. Kids like to play in the sand and sometimes this can involve digging a big hole and burying one another in it. It might seem like fun but there have been many serious accidents involving this type of activity. Stop your kids burying one another above waist height. Keep plenty of fluids, particularly water, on hand. It’s very easy to become dehydrated without even realizing it when you’re in the sun for a while. After a few idle hours on the beach, stretching your legs can seem like a good idea, and those spectacular cliff top views might seem enticing. Once you’re up there, though, keep to the paths, stay away from the edge, and keep children under control. One slip can easily lead to a horrific, deadly tumble.