You’re in the tropics here in Hawaii. The suns rays are stronger here and sunburn happens a lot faster than you are used to. A “base tan” won’t save you but sunscreen will. Just ask my husband!
I have very pale white skin. My tan = lots and lots of little tiny freckles! Here is how I survived the sun.
My solution? The next day, I put a spare pair of my husband’s swim trunks over my sunburned bottom. I looked like an idiot but it shaded my backside so I could snorkel. Embarrassing but true. Now I own a pair of board shorts that I pull on over my bikini to keep that backside shaded.
I also found that we were staying in the water longer and longer and the SPF50 sunscreen was not enough. I purchased a “rash guard” that the surfers wear to prevent getting scraped up when the waves crash them onto the sand or rocks.
It’s a shirt that completely blocks the sun even when wet (unlike regular T-shirts). It also keeps me warmer so I can stay in the water longer without shivering.
Beach Safety Tip #2: The Creatures
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t pick up or touch anything. Some things look like rocks but are living creatures that use venom (poison) to defend themselves.
Some creatures have sharp teeth. Keep your hands a safe distance from crevices and cave entrances because there may be something hiding inside ready to defend its home!
Beach Safety Tip #3: The Water
Never wade, swim or snorkel alone in case you run into some trouble. And don’t turn your back to the water.
What kind of trouble could I possible get into while wading? Believe it or not there are places in Hawaii where the water breaks onto the beach or onto a ledge you’ll be tempted to stand on. The force can be great enough to knock you into the sea!
Most beaches have no lifeguards so look for signs posted at the beach. You may see a rip tide or rip current sign. I must say; one of my greatest fears about snorkeling in the open ocean was being caught in a rip current and getting dragged out to sea. These currents can be very fast, typically 1-2 feet per second—scary stuff.
Believe it or not I still snorkel despite the possible danger. Why? It’s not so dangerous when you know what to do and use common sense.
My dad taught me a neat trick (he and his teenage buddies were caught in a rip current in NJ where he grew up). His advice?
- Don’t panic (yeah, right!)
- Swim parallel to the shore until you swim out of the current (the current will pull you hard straight out to sea so you’ll lose the battle if you try to swim straight to the beach).
- Once out of the current, swim to the beach to catch your breath.
- Warn other swimmers and beach goers
Not sure what my Dad is talking about? See this picture and instructions from NOAA.
Try to avoid swimming where there are known rip currents (signs should be posted).
Now that you have mastered beach safety, it really is safe to go in the water!
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