Stay Cool: Ways To Beat The Heat At The Beach
By Jennie McKeon, nwfdailynews.com, July 17, 2016
NAVARRE BEACH — It doesn’t take a weather forecast to know that it’s hot.
Yet, the blazing sun doesn’t stop locals and visitors from hanging out at the beach. On Navarre Beach Sunday afternoon, the crowds were out play-ing in the sand, taking dips in the Gulf and enjoying the last bit of the weekend.
You don’t have to miss a day at the beach if it gets too hot, you just have to know how to stay cool. Luckily, these beachgoers shared some tips on how to survive the sweltering summer.
Look for clouds
Jennifer Olsen said when the heat is on, she stays home.
“I’m lucky I live here … it’s way different than visiting,” she said.
Olsen said she’ll look for a cloudy day, like Sunday, to take her son Kyle to the beach, his favorite place to play, when the weather is a little bit more forgiving, she said. She’ll sit by the edge and watch her son as he splashes along the shore. when the sun comes out, they head to Navarre Park’s splash pad.
Find shade
Not only do all the umbrellas and canopies add some color to the beach, but they provide some much-needed relief from the sun when you need a break. Some beach chairs come equipped with an umbrella or awning so you don’t have too much to lug around. You could also take a tip from beach-goers who park their belongings in the shade underneath the fishing pier, where the sand and weather are considerably cooler.
Bring (lots of) water
One application of sun block is not enough and one bottle of water may not suffice. Pack a cooler full of ice and bottled waters and keep drinking. Karen and her husband Sam Jones never head to the beach without plenty of water. “You have to have to stay hydrated,” Karen said. Sam adds if you’re heading to the beach for the whole day, bring hydrating snacks like watermelon to keep you cool.
Take a dip
The beach isn’t just for getting tan. Grab a spot close to the edge so you can take a quick dip without being too far from your stuff. Donna Thompson said if she’s enjoying a day on the sound side, she’ll plant her chair in the water so she can keep her feet it. Sometimes you don’t even have to dip your feet. “I’ll wet a towel and put it around my neck,” she added. “Or you can put about five or six ice cubes, wrap it in bandanna and put it around your neck. That’s what I do when I go horseback riding.”
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