Spending time at the beach is a wonderful way to while away a summer day with family and friends. Read on for the goods on maximizing fun and ensuring safety – we’ve got the best tips under the sun!

1. The Right Supplies
Everyone will need flip flops or sandals, a towel or two, a swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, bottled water, insect repellent, and extra layers. Bring your first aid kit in case of minor scrapes or emergencies. Other essentials for a family day at the beach include: a blanket, folding chairs, a portable radio, beach toys and plenty of non-perishable snacks. Now that you've got the family covered, browse our top 10 beach essentials for secret weapons you can use to protect your skin and hair from the elements.

2. Picnic Perfection
Pack two coolers, one with drinks and another with food. Avoid soggy sandwiches! Skip the bread and pack whole wheat wraps instead with fillings like tomato, avocado, grilled chicken and salsa. Pre-washed fruit, packaged pudding cups and cookies make great desserts. Don't forget to take plates, utensils, a bottle opener and corkscrew, cups, plastic containers and napkins, plus trash bags, paper towels and hand sanitizer.

3. Scouting a Spot
An unfavourable beachside spot can ruin outdoor enjoyment, so choose your beach location carefully. Wind is most likely to put a damper on the fun, since it kicks up gritty sand and blows away towels and blankets. Too much sun can also be a problem, so try to find a spot that’s partially sheltered and shaded.

4. Food Safety
Warm weather means you must be extra careful about the way you handle food. Pack a cooler and keep it closed as much as possible. (Consider bringing one cooler for food and one for drinks.) Skip mayonnaise, creamy condiments and desserts that spoil quickly out of refrigeration. Opt for an oil and vinegar dressings and nonperishable desserts instead. For more food safety tips, follow our Summer food safety tips.

5. Beach Safety
Never leave children unattended, especially when they’re swimming or heading to the public washroom. (Employ the buddy system, and do a head count at regular intervals.) Instruct the entire family to stay out of water that has been labeled unsafe for swimming. Discourage diving and always check water depth before allowing children to jump in.

6. Made in the Shade
Sunstroke and severe sunburns are certainly no fun, so pack a beach umbrella and bring a sunhat for each family member. Sunscreen is important, too! Canadian dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30, so skip the tanning oil and SPF 15 in favour of total protection. Make sure everyone reapplies sunscreen every few hours, especially after sweating and swimming.

7. Happily Hydrated
Keep the gang cool by drinking water by managing hydration. Each person needs about eight ounces of water per hour outdoors. Fruit juices work, too, but soft drinks aren't a great choice because the caffeine in them dehydrates the body. Try freezing bottles of water and juice boxes for an extra icy, refreshing treat.

8. Whiling Away the Day
If you're spending the day with the kids, it’s a good idea to come up with some ideas for beachside entertainment. Play water games, such as ‘Marco Polo’, or plan a treasure hunt in the sand. You may also want to hunt for seashells, build sand castles or bird watch. If the kids are older and entertain themselves, bring along a good magazine or book to read while you lounge – or just relax and enjoy the scenery!

9. Make Memories
Sand, water and expensive photo equipment don't mix well, so consider recording the day’s entertainment with a disposable waterproof camera instead. Take lots of fun photos of the day and you can compile them in a summer vacation themed photo album or scrapbook a few weeks later.

10. Valuable Lessons
A wonderful day can be spoiled by the loss or ruin of a meaningful item. Leave watches at home and pack a cheap, portable clock instead. Bring beach toys that can easily be replaced. Leave your wedding rings at home, as they may slip off in water, especially with a slippery layer sunscreen on your hands. If you do bring valuables, keep them locked up in the glove compartment of the car.