outer banks child

2009 Beach Survival Guide

by Matt Walker

It sounds so easy: fill up the car, set up camp, soak up rays, play in the ocean. But if you want to really relax this summer, it pays to put in a little prep work ahead of time. Here are a few easy suggestions to make sure your ‘day at the beach’ is just that.

WHAT TO BRING

What’s the rub? You know you’re buying the pink-labeled waterproof baby sunblock, but which whitewash works best? Sticks are convenient for faces – but not whole bodies. Pump sprays are fine, but watch for aerosols which cost extra – and waste even more, especially on windy days. Whatever lube you choose, get a minimum of SPF 30 then find a cool place and rub it in thoroughly at least 30 minutes beforehand – that way your kids can hit the beach running. (Just stop them every two hours to reapply.)

Layer up. Add a bright, long-sleeve, SPF-rated, quick-dry shirt to fully block all harmful rays. Saves money on sunscreen, stops belly rashes from boogie boards and makes kids easy to spot.

The original sunblock. Extend your stay with a wide beach umbrella, the perfect place for napping toddlers, thirsty pooches, and keeping coolers extra cool. Spend more if you want it to last a few seasons.

Wouldn’t you rather be chasing your kids? On gusty days, the beach sees more flying parasols than a Mary Poppins convention — a major hazard for anyone downwind. Buy an umbrella stand that screws in deep; tilt it against the wind.

This bites. West winds can also bring flies that swarm and sting like something out of a Hitchcock movie. (Pea Island’s particularly brutal.) Have some bug repellant handy. Or get the two-in-one sunscreen variety.

A true lifesaver. Can’t keep your toddler out of the water? Then at least keep him above it. Find a snug, front zip ‘floaty suit’: the brighter, the better. You can relax while they learn ocean lessons that last a lifetime — one smiling body slam at a time.

The buddy system. Whether it’s sibling, cousin or friend, put an extra set of eyes on your kid every time they hit he water.

Inflatable fun. Tide pools come and go. For babies and anyone too young to wade deep, bring a small pool that blows up quick – and fills up quicker.

Five-gallon oasis. A big painter’s bucket can be the pail to your shovel and the kiddie pool by your side; it’s also the perfect portable carrier for little stuff.

Plastic handles. Some beaches don’t have trashcans. Recycle one of your plastic shopping bags for waste — and if you have a dog, you’ll need a container for his, uh, stuff too.

Ice, ice baby. Cooler: $10. Food and drinks: $25. Chilling out all day without any whining? Priceless.

WHERE TO GO

Easy — and not-so-easy — access. Picking a beach access is like picking a travel partner. Some like it quiet, some like it crazy. Generally, a larger access means more amenities — but also more people. If you drive a block north or south, you can still race to the potty but avoid the party. Also, look for local businesses you may need to use, then get within striking distance. And if you do like the more popular places go early and stick around — parking places are hot items that evaporate quickly.

Listen to the law. Each little town has its own set of rules. Campfires. Dogs. Surfboard leashes. Beach driving. Study up before you start to pack. (Google your specific town beach for the most current info.) And, upon arrival, make sure you read the signs on lifeguard stands for localized hazards and tips.

4WD 101. Beach driving rookies beware: soft sand sinks the biggest trucks fast; saltwater brings a slow cruel death. But if you’re determined to explore offroad, do the following: slack your tires to 17 lb., stay in the tracks, know the tides, put a shovel in back and bring a cell phone to call tow trucks. (Again: check the rules per town; each beach is different from permits to summer restrictions to outright bans.)

Making a splash. Some beaches are also popular for riding waves and catching fish. Keep the kids stay clear of loose boards – and flying hooks. And if your child shows interest, it pays to buy the kid a lesson or two so they don’t get frustrated – or hurt.

Castles made of sand. Those big majestic dunes stand guard over our coast, protecting our towns’ very survival; keep kids and pets from playing there, please.

Red flags. In VB, they mean ‘ask a lifeguard’ but here they mean ‘no swimming.’ THAT MEANS YOU. If no flags are up but the ocean looks rough, ask a lifeguard. And if you’re still worried, strap on a boogie-board or other flotation device.

That sound smells funny. Actually, you can’t smell it, but the sound’s hot water plus extra run off sends bacteria levels soaring above recommended levels in certain locations. So while it may be calmer than the ocean; it’s not always completely safe. Look for accesses away from major development.

Avoid that summer rut. It’s easy to turn your favorite piece of sand into flypaper. Take one day and try some place new. Go north to Duck and Corolla to add on some shop time; go south ‘over the bridge’ for wider spaces. So which way? Let the weather decide. Just remember: systems often get ‘hung-up’ at Oregon Inlet, and make it a weekday to avoid Saturday/Sunday gridlock.

Act like a tourist. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy the beach is to leave it for a day. Take the kids putt-putting. Buy some taffy. Take in a movie. The sea will be even more inviting upon your return.

WHAT TO DO

If someone gets lost. 1) Don’t panic. 2) Find the nearest lifeguard and stick close. (One walkie-talkie’s worth 1000 steps.) 3) Split up and scour, but leave one person waiting at homebase. 4) Think ahead: dress your child in easy-to-spot colors and immediately point out unique prominent landmarks that they can find you.

In case of jellyfish. Southerly winds can bring all sorts from harmless ‘moons’ to dangerous ‘man o’ wars’. (Avoid anything with tentacles and especially purple-and-blue balloon shapes). If you do get stung, try a sliced tomato, meat tenderizer, vinegar and water or an ammonia-based window cleaner. Lifeguards know best.

When faced with a rip current. You’ll know if you’re caught in one — but can you tell when someone else is? Watch for struggling and discolored water. If no lifeguard is available, send in the strongest swimmer with a flotation device, and use the same tips as page XX, while staging a rescue. And in either case, stay calm while swimming parallel to the beach; rips don’t pull you under, just out.

If you hear thunder. Bolt. Carolina is ranked fifth in the country for lightning strikes. Be your own early warning system by checking the weather every morning.

If you hear ‘hurricane’. The more you visit the beach, the greater the chance you’ll cross paths with a named storm. If a tropical system is in the Atlantic, contact your rental company– then stay tuned to the Weather Channel. (Or get updates every six hours at www.nhc.noaa.gov)

When attacked by seagulls. Just kidding , these birds are non-aggressive – but their poop isn’t. Please don’t let your kids feed them; your neighbors and their hats will thank you.

When it’s time to leave. Everything you brought to the beach should leave with you, including banana peels and apple cores — and especially cigarette butts, our number one source of litter. And if you’re gone for the season don’t throw away any beach gear — pass it along to neighbors or leave at the rental for another week of fun.

November 18, 2009