Spending the afternoon relaxing by one of our beautiful Canadian lakes or oceans is something that must be done at least once a summer. Here are four things to keep in mind when soaking up some rays and having a fun-filled afternoon on the beach!

What to wear

Other than your bathing suit and a fuzzy towel, think about bringing a change of clothes – there’s nothing worse than a car ride home in a wet bathing suit! Even if you’re not planning on staying at the beach until the evening, packing a sweater is always a safe idea to counteract that cool summer breeze.

What to eat

It’s inevitable that the minute you get to the beach, someone will be hungry. Packing up snacks and water in a cooler is the best way to keep everything clean and safe for eating. Sandwich supplies are always a great choice when feeding a crowd, plus everyone can personalize their meal to their own liking.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember when spending time in the sun is to stay hydrated; don’t forget to pack water!

Staying cool and protected from the sun

Don’t forget the hats and sunglasses! These will keep your face and eyes protected from the sun. Protecting your skin is also something to remember. Apply sunscreen before you get to the beach and keep reapplying as per sunscreen directions. When storing sunscreen at the beach, keep it in the cooler and reapplying won’t be as messy!

An umbrella is also a great choice to bring to the beach to create a shady area for napping or lounging.

Fun and games

As much as the beach is for relaxing, there are lots of activities that work best in a beach setting, so take advantage! A beach ball, water mattress and goggles are great for hours of splashing through the waves. Don’t forget the buckets and shovels for playing in the sand, and nothing beats a good read. Why not read our latest Cityline Book Club pick, Born Weird by Andrew Kaufman?

While the beach is one of the best summer getaways, remember safety is always first, especially when around an open body of water.

Have you spent an afternoon at the beach this summer? Give us your beach tips in the comments!