National Beach Day

The dog days of summer have arrived, and while the fall merchandise has already started to appear in the stores, the summer haze will be hanging around for at least the next month.

Fortunately, National Beach Day arrives on August 30, so take the time to enjoy some beach activities before everything turns into candy corn and pumpkin spice.

1. Wear the Sunscreen

Doesn’t matter if you can get away with a few drops on your face or if you have to apply SPF 50 with a paint roller, just wear the stuff already. If you’re going to the beach, you’re going to be spending a good amount of time in direct sunlight in an environment lacking a lot of natural shade.

Why protect your skin? In addition to the joys of sunburns, long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to premature aging and darkening of the skin, which means you could end up looking like an overcooked potato. Also, sunburns suck.

Also, speaking of a lack of shade, make sure you’ve got an umbrella or portable canopy to provide some relief from the sun while you’re chilling on the beach. Long-term canopies and shaded picnic tables tend to fill up quickly at popular beaches, so make sure you’ve got some way to get some shade.

2. Return to Nature

If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, make some time to visit at least once a year. It doesn’t have to be observed on National Beach Day, obviously, but it’s always good to head back out and put your toes in the sand once in a while.

One of the most enjoyable aspects about going to any beach include the sheer variety of things to do. Take any given beach area, and it can be used for play, conservation, exercise, relaxation, exploration, and creation. Sometimes, a person can experience all of these activities in a single visit.

3. Partake of the Variety

In celebration of National Beach Day, it might be advisable to go down to your favorite beach and do some light maintenance. Spend half an hour picking up any garbage found in an area, then go have fun.

• Ride a bike. Doesn’t have to be on the sand, unless you like the challenge of uneven terrain.

• Do a swim challenge, preferably within sight of a lifeguard.

• Go fish. If you don’t catch anything, go get a fish taco.

• Grab a volleyball/football/kickball, get some friends, and get a game going.

• Play some beach music. If the guy next to you starts playing techno, play the beach music louder. In a contest of beach music superiority, Jimmy Buffet can be used as an offensive weapon.

• Grab a book and chill in the sun (or the shade). Doesn’t even have to be a good book, either.

• Build a sandcastle. Then pretend you’re Godzilla and destroy it. Pay no attention to the people staring; they’re just jealous they didn’t think of the idea first.

4. Beach with No Beach

Finally, if you don’t happen to live near a beach, make some tropical drinks and find someplace warm to enjoy the last days of summer while ignoring your social media friends who won’t stop posting beach pictures.